Ronald Hughes Powell

MARQUETTE, MI – Ronald Hughes Powell, age 87, passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2025 in Ft Walton Beach, Florida.
Born December 25, 1937, in Georgiana, Alabama, a son of Alvin and Mariece (Henderson) Powell, Ron grew up out in the country where he developed a lifelong love for the outdoors. As a boy, he enjoyed playing baseball and football, and learned to hunt and fish-interests that became lifelong passions. He especially loved fly fishing and spent countless hours on the water, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with friends and family.
A 1956 graduate of Georgiana High School, where he played football, Ron went on to serve two years in the U.S. Navy. Following his honorable discharge, he moved to Marquette to be closer to family and enrolled at Northern Michigan University, earning his bachelor's degree in 1964.
Ron worked briefly for UPS and CCI before beginning a long career with State Farm Insurance in 1967. He served his clients with integrity and care until his retirement in 1999.
While attending NMU, Ron met Elizabeth Martindale. With the simple question, "Shall we dance?" their partnership began. The couple made their first home in Marquette. Ron later married Julie (Christensen) Benson in 1987 and the couple relocated to Pennsylvania in 2002.
Surviving are his son, Brook Powell of Marquette; daughter, April (Dr. Paul) Stewart of Las Vegas, NV; his grandchildren, Erin and Morgan Stewart; his siblings, Brenda Bearden of Ft Walton Beach, FL and James Herring of Ponce de Leon, FL; and several nieces, cousins, and nephews; in-laws from the Christensen side: sister-in-law, Patty (Dave) Coffman of Austin, TX; brother-in-law, Dennis (Laura) Christensen of Cedar Rapids, IA; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Julie Powell; his sister, Reyn Adair; a brother-in-law, Earl Bearden; and sister-in-law, Vicki Herring. From the Christensen side: sister-in-law, Cathy Dallas; and brother-in-law, Max Christensen.
Ron will be remembered for his warm heart, quiet humor, and deep appreciation for the natural world-especially the rivers and streams where he found peace.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a charity of donor's choice.
Friends may call at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Tuesday, November 18, beginning at 12:00 pm until the time of service at 1:00 pm. Rev. Brandon Oman will officiate. Interment will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery with veterans honors.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com