Kenneth Laverne Powell, of Grandview, Ohio, died on December 31, 2025 after a brief hospital stay. He was born March 24, 1930, on a farm in Rawson, Ohio. He lost his mother at his young age of 12 and spent high school years in Virginia with his older sister before finally settling back in Ohio and graduating from Findlay High School in 1948. After high school, he worked at Triplett Electrical in Bluffton, Ohio, as a printing press operator. He was drafted to the US Army in 1951 during the Korean war, spending time at North and South Carolina army bases prior to transferring to Germany, where he served as a driver for senior officers as well as a radio operator. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1955.
With the GI bill, he started his college education at Bluffton College before transferring to the Ohio State University to finalize his degree in Agriculture and Agronomy.
After college, he worked for the state of Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Lands and Soil division, as a soil scientist and educator, until his retirement in 1992. He was highly respected as an expert in geology and Ohio soil conditions. He loved gardening deeply, rooted in his father's farming background.
After retirement, he took great delight in his children's attendance at Ohio State, often driving them to class as a way to stay connected. His love of gardening, walking, reading, crosswords, Ohio State football and country drives fulfilled him throughout his retirement years.
His greatest pride was his two kids, their spouses, and his six grandchildren. He was boasting their achievements until a few days prior to his death.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Lance and Minnie Amstutz Powell, and his siblings Robert Lee Powell and Marjorie Neeper.
He is survived by his children Timothy Powell (Julie) of Dublin, Ohio and his daughter Ann (John) Slyh of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. His six grandchildren, Andy, Tommy and Elizabeth Powell and Jack, Joey and Lauren Slyh. He is also survived by his sister Sharon Hamilton of Bluffton, Ohio and his former wife, Sandra, the mother of his children, with whom he remained close.
We find comfort in knowing Dad had a long-fulfilled life and was aware of his family's presence and love at the time of his passing. Family will have a graveside service in Findlay, Ohio at a date to be announced.
With the GI bill, he started his college education at Bluffton College before transferring to the Ohio State University to finalize his degree in Agriculture and Agronomy.
After college, he worked for the state of Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Lands and Soil division, as a soil scientist and educator, until his retirement in 1992. He was highly respected as an expert in geology and Ohio soil conditions. He loved gardening deeply, rooted in his father's farming background.
After retirement, he took great delight in his children's attendance at Ohio State, often driving them to class as a way to stay connected. His love of gardening, walking, reading, crosswords, Ohio State football and country drives fulfilled him throughout his retirement years.
His greatest pride was his two kids, their spouses, and his six grandchildren. He was boasting their achievements until a few days prior to his death.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Lance and Minnie Amstutz Powell, and his siblings Robert Lee Powell and Marjorie Neeper.
He is survived by his children Timothy Powell (Julie) of Dublin, Ohio and his daughter Ann (John) Slyh of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. His six grandchildren, Andy, Tommy and Elizabeth Powell and Jack, Joey and Lauren Slyh. He is also survived by his sister Sharon Hamilton of Bluffton, Ohio and his former wife, Sandra, the mother of his children, with whom he remained close.
We find comfort in knowing Dad had a long-fulfilled life and was aware of his family's presence and love at the time of his passing. Family will have a graveside service in Findlay, Ohio at a date to be announced.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kenneth L Powell, please visit our flower store.
Kenneth L Powell's Guestbook
Visits: 181
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors