H. Pat Powers

Harris Pat Powers, 84, Topeka passed away Wednesday, January 30, 2019.

Pat was a lucky boy to be born to Horace Pierce and Margaret (Harris) Powers. He grew up outside Junction City, Kansas, on a ranch in the Flint Hills. He learned the importance and care of the land and the animals. As a boy, he began learning leadership skills belonging to 4-H and Future Farmers of America and making lifelong friends. As he began his professional life in Junction City, he was active in Jaycees, and many community organizations. He was in sales and then grew into a management role at KJCK Radio in Junction City.

He married Joyce Alderman. They had five children; Becky Estes of St. George, KS, Randy of Junction City, KS who is married to Ginger Stewart, Mark of Junction City, KS who is married to Sandy Book, Shawn of North Port, FL and Shannon Powers-Wright of Olathe, KS who is married to Stuart Wright.

He married Jerry Biles in 1975 in Topeka, KS. They have a son, John who lives in Kansas City, MO.

Pat was active in his professional and community life. With partners, he established KTPK Country 107 into a leading radio station for NE Kansas and the State. He was active in the Kansas Association of Broadcaster serving on the board and as President. He was chosen as Broadcaster of the Year and later a member of the Kansas Broadcaster Hall of Fame. He also received the Grover Cobb Award from the University of Kansas, School of Journalism.

He received top honors from Sales and Marketing Association and Advertising Federation of Topeka. He was always pleased to be in the founding years of Keep America Beautiful and remained active until this last year. He also served on boards for Topeka Community Foundation and the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce and in leadership roles for many organizations, along with establishing his radio station's participation and sponsorships in many community events. He also took great pride in mentoring young leaders.

He was proud of his volunteer role in the community and his professional accomplishments. But mostly he was proud of being the father of six children, nine grandchildren and 12 almost 13 great grandchildren, and of the life he and Jerry made in their 43 years together, as best friends.

He leaves behind his wife and children, one sister, Sally Dietrich, and brother-in-law Warren of Topeka, brother-in-law Rodger Biles and sister-in-law Valerie of Ottawa, KS, sister-in-law, Bonnie Biles of Wichita and Joyce Alderman Sullivan, friend and mother of his first 5 children, plus, many close friends, which he called his "chosen family"

A graveside service will be at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Highland Cemetery in Junction City, Kansas.

He loved plants and flowers but requested donations may be made to Cat Association of Topeka, 1719 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, Kansas 66604; Kansas Association of Broadcaster Scholarship Program, 214 SW 6th Ave #300, Topeka, Kansas 66603; Topeka Keep America Beautiful, 3805 NW 25th St, Topeka, Kansas 66618 and any organization that benefits those in need.

Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is handling arrangements. To leave a message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com

H. H. Pat Pat Powers Powers