Staff
William “Bill” Powers, age 78, of Ostrander, formerly of Laurelville, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at the home of his grandson.
He was born on June 12, 1936, in Marytown, West Virginia, to the late Rev. Charley Powers, a Methodist minister, and Naomi (Money) Powers. A US Navy veteran, he proudly served aboard the USS Bayfield in the Philippines.
Bill was considered a jack of all trades. Throughout his life, he worked as a copper miner in Butte, Montana, coal miner in West Virginia, lumberjack in Minnesota, and a mechanic, truck driver and steel worker in Ohio. He shared many memories of his youth in Togo, Minnesota, and had been a resident of Laurelville, Ohio for the past 40 years.
At times cantankerous and ornery, he enjoyed a passion for gardening, selling his produce at a roadside stand. He also favored fishing for bass and hunting deer. He could be stubborn but was always generous. With an adventurous spirit, he hitchhiked twice across the United States, a journey that provided many stories he enjoyed sharing. He will be remembered for his love of fishing, gardening and family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his children, Lavonne Wooten of Ostrander, Charlene Sharp of Columbus and Marvin Powers of Tarlton; step-son, Melvin (Emily) Elkins of West Virginia; five grandchildren, Josh and Jillian Wooten, Jacqueline (Travis) Gillespie and Sarah and Jared Sharp; brothers, Paul (Margaret) Powers of Oregon and Aaron (MaryAnn) Powers of Minnesota; and sisters, Ruth (Richard) Norvold of Minnesota and Ruby Wakeman of North Dakota.
He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 30 years, Arlenah (Taylor) Powers, along with five brothers and 3 sisters.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2015, at the Snyder-Rodman Funeral Center, 1510 W. William St. at Valleyside Dr., Delaware, Ohio, where services will follow at 7 p.m. with military honors.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.
Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
