Name: Celebration of Life for Richard L. Powell
Start: 2022-11-11T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2022-11-11T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Roper and Sons - South Lincoln

Richard L. Powell

August 31, 1945 - November 3, 2022

Richard L. Powell, O.D., F.A.A.O., 77, of Lincoln, passed away November 3, 2022. He was born August 31, 1945, in Sidney, NE to Everett and Leora (Folkerts) Powell. Richard, originally from Benkelman, NE graduated from Southern College of Optometry, Memphis, Tennessee with a Doctor of Optometry degree in 1968. His undergraduate college was at McCook Junior College, McCook, NE and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. During college, Dr. Powell was President of the Gold Key Honorary Optometric Society, and was also Editor of the College Yearbook. A former US Army Captain, Dr. Powell moved to Lincoln in 1970, having served as an optometrist in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star for "meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces" in the Republic of Vietnam from August 1969 to August 1970.

Dr. Powell was admitted in the American Academy of Optometry in 1971 and was awarded diplomat status in the National Board of Examiners that same year - a recognition awarded to fewer than 10% of all optometrists in the United States. After serving as President of the Nebraska Optometric Association in 1979, Dr. Powell continued his academic affiliation as Adjunct Assistant Professor at Southern College of Optometry. He is one of fewer than 100 optometrists nationally to have received the American Optometric Association Continuing Education Award annually since its inception in 1979.

In 1985 he was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Nebraska State Board of Health. In 2004, he was elected to the Board of Trustees of Southern College of Optometry, the first Nebraska optometrist to serve on this college board. Dr Powell is a life member of the Lincoln Jaycees and was named the Outstanding Young Person Award from the Lincoln NE organization in 1979 and for Nebraska in 1980. He served as President of his neighborhood association from 1984-1987.

Dr. Powell and Vicki have lived in Lincoln since 1970. Family was especially important to Dick. He was an avid Husker fan, and a longtime Booster and supporter of Nebraska Athletics. He loved hunting and fishing, and enjoyed many other sports.

Dick is survived by his wife, Vicki; daughter Shalla (Kevin) Mandigo; grandchildren Burkett II, Madison Lynn, Gabriella Jean, and Greta Faye; brother Bob (Patty) Powell; sister Nancy Powell. Preceded in death by his parents, son Burkett, brother Mike and sister Vickie.

Celebration of Life service will be held from 3-5 pm Friday, November 11, 2022, at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive. Military rites conducted by Army National Guard and American Legion Post #3. Memorials to Burkett Powell Memorial Fund c/o family. Condolences at Roperandsons.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lincoln Journal Star on Nov. 6, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Powell

9 Entries

Julie Iverson COT CPOT NCLE ABOC

December 31, 2023

Dr. RL Powell OD, FAAO was my first clinical instructor and mentor. There is great professional meaning in this as I went forward with many clinical certifications and eventually authored continuing education for other certified ophthalmic personnel. RLP and Vicki were great examples showing how a good clinic functions; info that later helped me professionally. With many fond memories I offer condolences. Always, Julie (Raser) (Perryman) Iverson

Raisa Yegiyeva

January 10, 2023

My mother was patient of Dr Powell for many years. Great man, great doctor. Our condolences to the family. RIP

Les and Lana helms

November 10, 2022

Les and I have known dr Powell for 40+ years and he also was our eye dr for that long. Our kids and grandkids went to him. He was very kind and professional man and a friend. So very sorry for your loss of this great man. It was a pleasure knowing him. Les and doc always had stories to tell each other about fishing etc. enjoyed visiting with him each time. Prayers to the family

Vicki McElroy

November 10, 2022

I was a patient of Dr. Powell's and always enjoyed by visits with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

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Sharee

November 8, 2022

So sorry for you loss Vicki&family I remember living next door and playing catch with him. He Always had laugh Sharee (Schoening ) McKee

Patricia and Larry Siebe

November 7, 2022

Vicki and family , we are so sorry for your loss. He was our eye Dr. for many years. He will be missed. Sending prayers to you.

ROBB & SANDY COLE

November 7, 2022

DICK, VICKI, & FAMILY WERE CLOSE FRIENDS OF OURS WHILE LIVING AT CAPITAL BEACH. WE MOVED TO CLEARWATER BEACH, FL IN 1985 BUT STILL RETAIN MANY FOND MEMORIES OF SOME GREAT PARTIES AT THE POWELL HOME. THINKING OF YOU VICKI---

Rhonda Shipe

November 6, 2022

He was our eye Dr. for many years. Im so sorry to hear he´s passed. He was always such a happy person. I liked him. Prayers for the family, Rhonda Shipe

Joe Ayres

November 6, 2022

Dick was a friend, neighbor and my optometrist. He was a sharp, friendly and successful person. He will surely be missed by many. My sympathy to Vicki and the family.

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