John Henry Powell II, 70, of Macy was surrounded by his loving family and friends when he passed away at 6:20 AM on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at his home. This followed a brief yet valiant battle with cancer.
On August 6, 1950, John was born in Rochester. He was a treasured son of John Henry and Helen Maxine Hartman Powell. Growing up he shared his childhood with 4 younger brothers Jim, Jeff, Leroy and J.D. John graduated in 1968 from Rochester High School where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America. During his high school years he worked at Berkway IGA.
Patriotism beckoned and John answered the call serving with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1969 - 1973. Upon his honorable discharge he was known as Sgt. Powell. John was a member of the Mason Lincoln Lodge in Macy, LeRoy Shelton American Legion Post # 36, The Manitou VFW Post # 43, Fraternal Order of Eagles and a life member of the Manitou Moose Lodge Family Center # 1107.
Returning back to Indiana, John accepted a position with Standard Oil's ConAgra for a few years working at their fertilizer plant. It wasn't long to he came home to the Macy Elevator. He was reliable, dependable and always ready and willing to assist the farmers with their needs. John cultivated many lifetime friendships over the years. He retired after 31 years of service, but was still always available to help out at the elevator or on his friend's farms if needed. With a servant's heart, John was passionate about helping others. For a quarter century he was a member of the Macy-Allen Township Volunteer Fire Department.
As an American Sportsman John enjoyed hunting squirrels, deer and rabbits. Many times his nephews Josh and J would accompany him on the adventures. There were many fishing expeditions to Nyona Lake, Wisconsin, Tennessee or southern Indiana with the cousins and special friends. There was nothing better than the tranquility of walking his woods in search of the tasty morels in the spring. John was the master of the fish fry, hosting many for his friends and family to enjoy the fruits of his labor. Other memorable adventures were experienced with his special friends hunting coyotes, keeping them in check, from farmer's livestock.
In addition to the fishing and hunting trips. John loved hanging out with his family during the holidays and special family celebrations. These were always the best times making memories. His Great niece Claire Maxine, stole his heart, as one of his greatest joys was spoiling her.
Left to cherish the memories of John are his son, Robert Dale Powell and wife Diana of Rochester; grandchildren, Chris, Robert, and Leon Powell, Dylan Lewis, Braden Everett; special friend, Bonnie Baber of Rochester, three brothers, Jim Powell and wife Karla of Chadron, NE, Leroy Hartman of Manhattan, KS, JD Heckathorn and wife Stacy of Rochester; sister-in-law, Kim Powell; nieces and nephews, Seth and John Powell, Justin Baird, J. and Josh Heckathorn, Derek, Matt, and Alaina Wilson, Joe Clarahan, Brandon and Travis Hartman; great niece, Claire Maxine Heckathorn; great nephew, Kooper Baird: special aunts Mary Miller of Anderson, Nellie Scott of Lake Charles, LA Carolyn Richards of Peru. He also leaves behind a group of cousins who to him were more like brothers and sisters.
Preceding John in death are his parents John Powell in 1959 and Maxine Heckathorn in 2002; brother Jeff Powell January 2020; aunt Gladys Shambarger and uncle DeWayne Powell.
A celebration of the life of John Henry Powell II will be at 4:00 PM on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, 242 West Pleasant Hill Road, Akron. Memorials may be made to the Macy-Allen Township Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 37., Macy, IN 46951. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Good Family Funeral Home of Rochester. Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to his family at www.goodfamilyfh.com
