Paul A. Powers

Paul A. Powers, age 73, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 13, 1952, to Donald and Marjorie (Ibershof) Powers in Grand Rapids, MI, and lived most of his life in West Michigan. Paul graduated from Mona Shores High School with the Class of 1971. A skilled tradesman, he excelled in carpentry and construction, working as a general contractor for Bouma Corp. before retiring. On May 28, 1989, he married the former Nancy Beaman at Crestwood United Methodist Church. Together, they shared 31 years filled with love and laughter before Nancy's passing on September 27, 2020. A devoted and faithful servant of the Lord, Paul was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church, where he actively served and lived out his Christian faith. He was proud to walk in the footsteps of Christ and found great joy working alongside his wife, Nancy who was a devoted pastor for numerous years together, they loved serving their church community. Paul was also an avid outdoorsman who especially loved camping, taking his "big trailer" out for the last time in June of this year. He also loved cycling and golf. Intelligent and endlessly curious, he had a talent for learning new things and could accomplish whatever he set his mind to. He was known for his warm and welcoming nature, always seeing the good in people and the world around him. He never spoke unkindly or passed judgment, instead offering encouragement and kindness to everyone he met. Paul's zest for life, amazing willpower, steadfast faith, and unconditional love for his family will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his three children, Leslie Powers, Aaron (Meghan) Powers and Joel (Sara) Powers; two stepchildren, Erin (Joel) Dye and Cara (Zephyrius) Wolfdorf; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Chuck (Linda) Powers and Bob (Kate) Powers; sisters, Sue Minke and Dona Braginton; twin sister, Pat (Art) Brown; numerous nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Martha Larson; and brother-in-law, Karl Minke. A Celebration of Paul's Life will be held at 3:00PM on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Lake Harbor United Methodist Church, 4861 Henry St., Muskegon, MI 49441 with visitation one-hour prior. He will be laid to rest at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Fruitport-Pinehill Cemetery. Memorial Contributions in his honor can be directed to Lake Harbor UMC or Mission for Area People. Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.