Raymond Edward Powell

A Celebration of Life service honoring Raymond Edward Powell will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Mansfield, Louisiana, with Dr. Chad Hardbarger officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Honoring Raymond as pallbearers will be Timothy Lawson, Ben McGehee, Greg McGehee, Jeff McGehee, Patrick Hannon, Bennett Lawson, and Lang Lawson. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Deacons of FBC Mansfield and members of The Coffee Group. Rev Ben McGehee will officiate at a graveside service at the Deadwood Methodist Cemetery in Deadwood Texas. A military honor guard detail will perform a ceremony to honor Raymond Powell’s service as a WWII veteran.

Raymond Powell was born on November 5, 1924, in Deadwood, Texas, to Nelson Truitt and Lizzie Alexander Powell, and was raised in Logansport, Louisiana.

Following high school, Raymond earned a boxing scholarship to Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now ULL), but his college career was interrupted when he volunteered for the United States Army and served in the European Theatre during World War II. Like many veterans of his generation, he rarely spoke of the war for many years. In later life, however, he shared stories of courage, sacrifice, and even moments of humor from his time in service. He was proud to be recognized as one of the oldest living WWII veterans in DeSoto Parish, reaching the age of 100 years and 8 months. He continued to be a member of the local VFW.

After the war, Raymond returned to Southwestern, where he served as President of the Student Body and earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. He continued his education at Ole Miss, Stephen F. Austin, and Northwestern and obtained his master’s +30. His first job was as an agriculture teacher at Mansfield High School, where he met the love of his life, Evelyn Clark. They married just four months later on December 22, 1948, and were blessed with 74 years of marriage.

Throughout his life, Raymond had a lasting impact on education in DeSoto Parish. He served as Principal of both Grand Cane School and Mansfield Elementary School and later worked as a Supervisor in the DeSoto Parish School System. Even in retirement, he remained committed to education through his involvement with the Louisiana Retired Teachers Association (LRTA). He also embarked on a second career in real estate and real estate appraisal, working well into his 90s.

Raymond Powell’s life was a testament to faith, service, and community. A devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Mansfield since 1947, he was honored in 2024 for 74 years of faithful service as a deacon. His deep faith guided every aspect of his life and inspired his tireless work in both his church and his community.

Raymond’s commitment to service extended far beyond the walls of his church. As a lifelong member of the Lions Club, he served as a District Governor and was one of the board members that helped establish the current Louisiana Lions Camp for youth with special needs. His heart for others left a lasting impact on those around him.

An avid historian, Raymond became Mansfield’s trusted authority on local history. He shared his knowledge through his “Did You Know?” column in the Mansfield Enterprise and contributed to several historical publications. He remained active with the DeSoto Parish Historical Society and served on the Mansfield Female College Museum Board, preserving the heritage of the community he loved so dearly. He also served as a board member for DeSoto Regional Hospital for 14 years.

Many in Mansfield will remember Raymond for the beautiful roses in his yard. He and his beloved wife, Evelyn, both consulting Rosarians with the Shreveport Rose Society, spent countless hours tending their garden and took joy in sharing the beauty of God’s creation with all who passed by. Fittingly, one of their favorite hymns was “In the Garden”, a reflection of their peaceful devotion and connection to nature. The hymn begins, "I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses..." and continues with the comforting refrain, "And He walks with me and He talks with me..."

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson Truitt and Lizzie Alexander Powell; his brothers, James Powell and Truitt Powell; his granddaughter, Paige Powell Comer; and his cherished wife, Evelyn Clark Powell.

He is survived by his son, Robert Powell and wife Susie of Shreveport, LA; his daughter, Carolyn Powell McGehee and husband Don of Ruston, LA; six grandchildren: Allyson Powell Lawson (Timothy) of Shreveport, LA, Ben McGehee (Alisa) of Magnolia, TX, Greg McGehee (Linzay) of Palmer, AK, Jeff McGehee (Janie) of Ruston, LA, Lauren McGehee Hannon (Patrick) of Benton, LA, and Robert McGehee (Julianna) of Mer Rouge, LA; and nineteen great-grandchildren who carry on his legacy of love and service.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers who made it possible for Raymond to remain in his home. Special appreciation goes to Chris Washington, Rhonda Wilson, and Christine Canada for their compassionate care and dedication.

The family suggests memorials be made to First Baptist Church in Mansfield, Manna Feeding Ministry, 1710 McArthur Drive, Mansfield, LA 71052; Christ Memorial Episcopal Church –Brother Lawrence Feeding Ministry, 401 Washington Avenue, Mansfield, LA 71052, or the Louisiana Lions Camp, 292 Beauford Dr, Anacoco, LA 71403.