Bill Powell

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. Billy Gerald Powell, age 64, of Clayton, Indiana.
On Thursday, May 9, 2024, God called Billy home, and his suffering came to an end. Surrounded by his loving family and in the comfort of his own home, Billy was granted peace at 5:11 pm, just as he had wished.
The son of Edna Geraldine (Gillan) Combs, Bill arrived in the world on June 12, 1959. Raised in Indianapolis, he attended Wood High School. At the young age of 17, he was introduced to a girl who would love and cherish in every way. Enamored by Brenda's beauty, it was love at first sight, and In 1978 they eagerly entered the union of holy matrimony and became parents as well. Bill was an amazing husband and the best father to their son, Billy, and daughter, Amanda, but it was the six beings that called him papaw that made him most proud.
Diligent to succeed in fulfilling his patriarchal duties, Bill worked in construction as a laborer for many years. Stepping in to fill a position at National Starch in 1987 (currently operating as Ingredion) this was a chemical manufacturing plant that provided Bill with opportunities to further his education and grow professionally. Dedicated through years of tireless work, Bill became the supervisor of maintenance and his loyalty and dedication to the company forged many cherished friendships upon his retirement in August 2015. Looking forward to family gatherings on holidays and upholding traditions were important to him. To know Billy Powell was to love him. Sharing special bonds with every one of his people, his legacy will live in the hearts of all who were blessed to connect with him. Bill was a simple family man who was never hard to please. Finding solace in nature's wonders, the simple things that most would take for granted like waking up early to see the sunrise or taking the time to be present at sunset. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, camping, and surrounding himself in the great outdoors. He loved state parks and made many favorite memories at Shakamak and also Brown County State Park. He once found God at Jericho Mountain in Tennessee and that was a favorite for him. With over 40 years of marriage, Bill and Brenda returned often visiting where they shared their first date, Garfield Park.
Receiving a terminal diagnosis in his forties, he was courageously brave and unwavering to keep a strong faith and he rallied up until the very end. Forced into an unfair fight against a rare cancer that was found in his lungs and three secondary diseases from there, his resilience, courage, and determination were constant. Despite facing numerous obstacles and the threat of death always looming, he found strength and the will to live- in his family, and never gave up faith in God. His legacy of courage and strength will be remembered and cherished, his impact on others enduring. His legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories will continue to live on in our hearts.
Bill was preceded in death by his grandmother, Myrtle Gillan; mother, Edna Geraldine Combs; and two sisters, Patricia Swimm and Kathy Powell. In his passing, his family finds solace in knowing that he is at peace and reunited with his loved ones who passed before him.
Bill leaves behind his wife, Brenda (King) Powell; children, Billy Powell and Amanda Heimansohn (husband, Jordan); 6 grandchildren, Dalton Branham (wife, Laura), Victoria and Olivia Powell, Avery and Mahaylah Heimansohn, and Eli Powell.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 7pm, on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Additional calling will open at noon, with the Celebration of Life Service to start at 1:00pm, on Friday, May 17, 2024, at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow in Clayton Cemetery. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in Bill's memory, please visit www.lightmemorial.com.