In Remembrance Of
Dick Powell
James Richard “Dick” Powell passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 10, 2025.
He was born on February 28, 1937, to Marion Caryll and Eva Maude (Lizar) Powell in Trimble, MO. He attended school at East Buchanan High School in Gower, MO where he was active in many sports and was quarterback and captain of the Bulldog football team. He graduated in 1955.
He then went on to college at Northwest Missouri State College in Maryville, MO where he continued his football career and was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. He majored in business and physical education, graduating in 1959.
He married his high school sweetheart Norma Jean Giddens on August 10, 1957, then began his football coaching career in Maysville, MO at the same time welcoming their first daughter. They then relocated to Blue Springs, MO where he coached at Blue Springs High School. Then on to Grandview High School. During this time, they welcomed their second daughter.
In 1968, Dick began his career with Jostens selling class rings, caps and gowns and announcements. This took the family to Bowling Green, OH then relocating to Chanute, KS in 1973. He would stay a valuable and celebrated employee with Jostens until his retirement in 2000.
After Dick lost his first love Norma Jean, he met Betty Jo McNett, and they married in 1998. They blended their two loving families together seamlessly and made many happy memories until Betty’s death in 2001.
Dick moved to the Kansas City area to be near his girls in 2003 where he started working in the fishing department at Cabela’s. Not long after, he met Mary Fauchier who remained his long-time companion. He remained with Cabela’s until 2023.
Dick is survived by daughters Susan Kerns, Shawnee, KS and Diane Caldwell (Bob) Coffeyville, KS; grandchildren MacKenzie Nelson (Erik) Camas, WA. Jordy Brady (Billy) Kansas City, MO, and Abbie Enlow (Nick) Olathe, KS; great-grandchildren Solveig and Luke Nelson and Rider and Rollie Enlow; sister Linda Bristow Nashville, TN; brother-in-law and sister-law John and Judy Giddens St. Joseph, MO and long-time companion Mary Fauchier Overland Park, KS
Dick is preceded in death by his parents, brother Bob Powell, wife’s Norma and Betty Jo, son-in-law JD Kerns, and grandsons Andrew and Alex Eli.
Memorial Service will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 21st at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Gower, MO.
Family inurnment will be held later at Frazier Cemetery.
Donations may be made to Frazier Cemetery.
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Service Details
1:00 p.m. Friday, February 21st at Hixson-Klein Funeral Home in Gower, MO.
Comments & condolences
5 comments
Brenda Jackson
Dear Susan and Diane,
I’m so very sorry about your loss! I hope you know how much I cared about your dad. My parents both adored your mom and dad! I had the pleasure of getting to go out with all them a few times and what a great time they all had together and had stories that still make me giggle. Your family was always something to be envious of, the love always shown through. I had the pleasure of working on your dad’s hair and even got to see him during Covid his visit to my house meant so much to me I always enjoyed catching up with him. I am truly sorry for the hole in your heart that losing a parent leaves. I hope knowing how much people love you both provides some type of comfort. I love you both for sure as I know so many others feel the same way. Sending love and hugs. Brenda
Judy Tincher
So sorry for your loss.!
Sending love and prayers !
Judy Tincher
Frankfort,Ky.
Dale Titus
We had the pleasure to know Dick thru Susan, just and the girls. enjoyed talking about sports, fishing, traveling, grand and great grand kids every time we visited.
he had a zest for life. last visit last Aug 2024 he gifted me 2 of his prize fishing rods.
rest in peace Dick 🙏
you’ll be sorely missed
Dale Titus
Mike and Linda Rose
We would like to extend our condolences to Dick’s loving family members and, of course, to our wonderful neighbor Mary. We know he will be missed terribly by all those who loved him, and were touched by his kind spirit. May the Lord give you peace and healing as you remember all the wonderful times and experiences you had together.. Blessings, Mike and Linda Rose
Gary and Tish Nelson
We are so sorry for your loss of a wonderful person, our great friend Dick, we will miss him when we can go back to Kansas. But we do have great memories with Dick, Norma, BJ and Mary.
Our prayers are with the family and loved ones.
Love
Gary & Tish Nelson