Obituary for Edward R. Powell

Edward R. Powell, of Portland, Michigan, age 98, went home to be with the Lord on December 7, 2023.  He was born August 27, 1925 in Missaukee County near Lake City, MI. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Dona R. (Smith), sons, Gregory R. (Vicki), Gary E., and Ted L. (Helena), grandchildren, Peter (Libby) and Rosemary (Aaron) , stepson, Scott (Julie) Lindley and family, step-daughter-in-law, Diane Lindley, and 2 step-grandsons, Evan and Ian Lindley.  He was preceded in death in 1978 by his first wife of 26 years, Mary (Salton), his parents, Ross B. (Ike) and Jessie (Fish) Powell of Lake City, MI, a brother, Gerald L. and wife, Doris (McGinnis), a sister, Mildred Fockler and husband, Bill, and stepson, Tom Lindley.

He was a US Army veteran, serving in 40th Infantry Division in the Philippines and Korea in WWII.  He graduated from Michigan State University in 1950 with a BS in Agricultural Economics.  Ed retired in 1985 after 35 years, as manager of Michigan Elevator Exchange division of Farm Bureau Services and served as Vice President and Assistant Secretary of Farm Bureau Services.  Farming was his passion, and he was actively involved until the age of 92 and his times of greatest joy was whenever the family got together.  For more than 25 years Ed and Dona hosted great Sweet Corn Parties at their farm.

He served on many agricultural associations, was a member of the Chicago Board of Trade, Detroit Board of Trade, President of Toledo Board of Trade and Treasurer of the Michigan Bean Commission, and also served for 19 years on the Board of Directors of Mid-States Terminal in Toledo, OH.  

In 1978 he was invited by Pres. Carter to participate in a trip to Cuba to discuss restoration of the Ag Trade between the US and Cuba.

Ed was the 2006 recipient of the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Distinguished Service Award for lifetime contributions to agriculture.

He was a member of the Grand Ledge Baptist Church.

Ed felt the greatest moment in his life and his most important decision came in 1976 when he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and realized he will again see both Mary and Dona in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Edward Powell Family Scholarship at Cornerstone Univ. at Grand Rapids, MI.

The Funeral Service will be officiated by Rev. John Lemke, Rev. Andrew Ford, and Rev. Brian McLaughlin at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 14, 2023 the Grand Ledge Baptist Church, 1120 Willow Highway, Grand Ledge. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge Street, Portland and again on Thursday at the church one hour prior to the service. Immediately following the service, a luncheon will be held at the church, all are welcome. Interment will be at DeepDale Memorial Gardens, Lansing with military honors provided by the US Army. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.