Charles David Powell

Charles David Powell
Charles David Powell, 83, of rural Scott County, Illinois, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on March 6, 2026, at his residence.
He was born on February 4, 1943, in rural Lawrence County, Illinois, to Alfred and Maxine (Hale) Powell, who preceded him in death. He was the oldest of three siblings, grew up on a farm, and learned how to farm from his dad and granddad.
Charlie graduated from Lawrence County High School in 1961 and from Purdue University with a degree in Agriculture in 1965. He went on to earn his master's degree from the University of Illinois. He also honorably served in the Illinois National Guard.
On August 13, 1967, he married Ruth (Sievers) Powell. They were happily married for 58 years. Together they raised two sons, David and Matt. After beginning his career as a County Extension Agent in Indiana, he was given the opportunity to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a farmer. In 1973, he started his 40+ year career of farming in Scott County, Illinois. It was outside of Riggston where he and Ruth built their lives together on the principles of faith and family.
In addition to farming, Charlie helped plant a church in Jacksonville, Illinois, serving as a founding member and deacon. He attended Calvary Church for over 40 years. Throughout his life he was an usher and to this day his grandsons still serve in this capacity. Charlie also dedicated himself to agriculture and his community, serving many years as a Director and in 2000 as President of the Scott County Farm Bureau.
Outside of his personal relationship with the Lord, Charlie cherished his family. He especially loved spending time with his eight grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and joy. He also loved camping, driving ATVs and his John Deere Gator, vacationing in Colorado, bike riding, finding bargains at garage sales, and singing old hymns.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Powell; his sister, Sue (Steve) Klein of Brownsburg, Indiana; his brother, Dan (Bobbie) Powell of Lawrenceville, Illinois; his two sons, David (Jolene) Powell of West Chicago, Illinois, and Matt (Beth) Powell of Huntertown, Indiana; and his eight beloved grandchildren, Shreanna Powell, Sheldon Powell, Shaymis Powell, Shaylee Powell, Derek Powell, Ethan Powell, Liza Powell, and Katherine Powell.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2026 at the Coonrod Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Winchester with Pastor Mark Johnson officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Burial will take place in Gillham Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to Missions at Calvary Church.
The Coonrod Airsman-Hires Funeral Home is in charge the arrangements.
Charlie will be remembered for his unwavering relationship with the Lord, his love for his family, his lifelong dedication to farming, and the kindness he showed to all. He was a meek and humble man who always took time for people and had a smile on his face. His legacy lives on in the land he cared for and in the family he loved so deeply.