John Powell

John Elbert Powell, 80, of Lee's Summit, Missouri, was born Sunday, September 16, 1928 in Pasche, Texas, the son of Elbert J. and Eddie L. (Hyde) Powell. He departed this life Sunday, May 10, 2009, at his home in the company of family.

On November 29, 1948, John was united in marriage to Inez Jones in Hoxie, Arkansas. They moved to Raytown, Missouri in 1952 where they raised their family. Inez preceded him in death on August 31, 1991. On October 31, 1992, he was united in marriage to Shirley J. Woolery in Belton, Missouri.

John worked at the GM Leeds Assembly Plant for over 30 years before retiring in 1982. He continued to work as a truck driver for the remainder of his life. He was a member of the Liberty Church of Christ.

John was known for his dependability and work ethic. He enjoyed spending time on his John Deere tractor or behind the wheel of his dump truck. He relaxed by being outdoors, both as a hunter and simply watching the deer and turkey from his deck. He loved his family and was especially proud of his grandchildren.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 sisters Aline Phillips and Agnes Northum.

He is survived by his wife Shirley of the home; 2 daughters Lynette Smith and husband James of Califon, New Jersey and Dianne Meyers and husband Dennis of Kansas City, Missouri; 1 step-daughter Jill Parker and husband Chuck of Pleasant Hill; 2 Step-sons Dale Woolery and wife Sally of Ankeny, Iowa, and Jay Woolery of Pleasant Hill; 9 grandchildren, Ryan Meyers of Washington D.C., Kyle Meyers and wife Jingjing of Wuhan, China, Devin Smith of Cafilon, New Jersey, Justin Laning of Springfield, Missouri, Jessica Prewitt and husband Richard of Blue Springs, Missouri, Charles Parker of Higginsville, Bryan Thornburg and wife Amy of Liberty, Missouri, Brandon Woolery and Katy Woolery of Ankeny, Iowa; 2 great grandchildren Adryelle and Myles Thornburg; 2 sisters Estella Smith of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, and Jareta Peck and husband Rex of Salina, Kansas; other relatives and many friends; including his beloved Bulldog Mimi.

Cremation has been accorded. A memorial service was held Friday May 15, 2009, at the Liberty Church of Christ in Liberty, Missouri. Dennis Meyers, minister of the church officiated.

Inurnment, with military services provided by the VFW Post #3118 Honor guard, were held in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Kansas City Hospice or the American Lung Association and may be sent in care of the funeral home.