George W. Powell

George was born to George Stephen and Gladys Inez Davis Powell on July 28, 1929 in Topeka, Kansas. He played football at Highland Park High School where he met the love of his life, Sarah Bess Hothan, known as Sally. They were married on April 24, 1949 and five children were born to their union. They were married 66 years before Sally preceded him to heaven in October of 2015.

George was a master craftsman with brick and stone, and he built their home in 1953 on what was then the west edge of Topeka. When they later put on an addition, he designed a large stone fireplace for the room, and even made the floor from brick pavers! His children always said that if he could have figured out a way to make the ceiling brick, he would have. When asked what he did for a living, he'd reply, "I'm an artistic manipulator of burnt clay products." He helped construct many buildings on the campuses of Kansas State University, Kansas University, and Washburn University. He served as the masonry foreman on many jobs for commercial buildings and also did residential work. He later owned his own masonry business with his son Keith for 19 years.

George was an attentive father, serving as a leader in Y Indian Guides and Boy Scouts and as a baseball coach for many years. He was a member of Crestview United Methodist Church since 1954.
George was preceded in death by his wife Sally, his parents, and his brother Steve.

George is survived by his five children and their spouses: Kathy and Greg Andler, Jeff and Tammy Powell, Keith and Dianne Powell, Mike and Karon Powell, and Ruby and Rod Bunde. His grandchildren are Ryan and Jessica Devlin with their children Wren and Wilder; Heather and Jerod Droge with their children Jordan, Rylee, Brooklynn, and Payton; Trent and Kay Andler with their children Raegan and Harper;Jesse and Liz Kutina with their son Brody; Josh and Ruth Powell with their children Halleigh, Hayden, and Hunter; Jaymie and Casey Moore with their children Clara and Jackson; Jenna and Jonathan Runyan with their children Emma, Thomas, Luke, and Simon; Joy and Bill Davenport with their children Liam, Colton, Marshall, and Sawyer; Jeriel and Keith Fine with their children Charley, Paisley, and Wesley; Joanna and Josh Powell; Abby and Mike Peoples; Faith and Dawsyn Birtell; Caleb Powell; Jesse and Sara Powell with their children Jack, Maggie, and George; Jennifer and Adam Tuck with their children Aidan, Averi, and Ella; Melissa and Andres Casado; Sarah Powell; Ridge and Brandy Bunde with their children Kiyzer and Brinlyn; Rebekah and Seth Myers with their daughter Arya; Riley and Ashlyn Bunde with their daughter Aubree; Reid Bunde.

George was creative. He liked to draw and design things. He collected coins and model cars and loved to read. He and Sally enjoyed camping and square dancing. Family was his first priority. He worked hard to earn a living and treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren. He had an ornery sense of humor and his grandchildren can quote many of his punch lines. He had the gift of making each of his family members feel that they were of the utmost importance to him; he was a good listener and always quick to offer words of encouragement and support.

George was stricken with a stroke nearly 4 years ago which paralyzed his left side. The grace and patience he displayed has taught us all how to endure tough trials with dignity and gratitude. He often told his children that he had drawn closer to his Lord and Savior during these last few years. He loved well and will be deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 28, 2018 at Crestview United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

Memorial gifts may be made to Crestview United Methodist Church, 2245 SW Eveningside Dr, Topeka, KS 66614-1344.

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