Steve Eugene Powers

Steve Eugene Powers

December 9, 1955 — April 14, 2025

Steve Eugene Powers, 69, Independence, MO, passed away Monday, April 14th, at his home.

Steve was born in Parsons Kansas on December 9, 1955 to Floyd Eugene and Erma Edna (Honn) Powers. Steve married Cheryl Lynn Stambaugh July 22, 1977; although Steve and Cheryl later divorced, they remained close to co-parent 3 sons, Shawn Spiess, Patrick Powers and Erik Powers.

Upon graduating from Turner High School in 1974, Steve joined the work force having great success in his expertise of man-handling industrial tires. In a dangerous field, he would outwork men twice his size and outsmart those that were unfortunate enough to lose digits and extremities because of his avoidance for catastrophic incidents. He educated those new to the industry in more efficient and safer techniques of poly-filling tires and hydraulic pressing pneumatic tires. Steve was a professional in the industry in the Midwest. One of his largest achievements was being the lead manager behind a very successful company called “Pro-Tire”. Behind only the owner, Steve ran this business. The company behind the legendary “Big Foot Monster Truck” came to Pro-Tire asking them to help solve problems with their tire configuration. He figured out the mounting and inflation issue for their huge tires as well as another tire and rim combination used by Big Foot to navigate the waters of the Mighty Mississippi river.

He never let his pride get in the way, remaining humble within the company and gave any man or woman a shot at a job, provided they showed up everyday and gave it their all. He instilled a great work ethic into his boys and they aspired to make him proud. His main hobby was restoring vehicles and mechanical work on older vehicles, billiards and throwing darts. Diabetes became the eventual crack in this strong man’s armor. It was a hard fought battle through the years and many close to him remember close calls and helped him many times.

He is survived by his mother Erma Edna (Honn) Powers; 2 sisters, Linda (Dan) Neighbors, Kansas City, KS, and Diane (Danny) Ellington, Shawnee, KS; former spouse, Cheryl (Darin) Embry, Grain Valley, MO; sons, Shawn Spiess, Plainville, KS, former daughter-in-law, Jeannine Spiess, Plainville, KS, Patrick (Misty) Powers, Independence, MO and Erik (Cami) Powers, Farmington, MO; 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by 1 niece, 2 nephews and their children.

Cremation was chosen and memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 26th, at the Speaks Suburban Chapel located at 18020 E. 39th St. S in Independence, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the American Diabetes Association.