Walter "Coke" Powers

Walter "Coke" Kenneth Powers, a beloved teacher, coach, and dedicated community member, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on December 14, 1941, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Walter H. and Frances "Dixie" (nee Brunson) Powers, Walter embraced life with passion and purpose, leaving an indelible mark on both his family and the countless lives he touched throughout his esteemed career in education.
Walter's journey began in education, where he balanced his studies and a growing family, eventually earning his Master's Degree from Xavier University. He dedicated his professional life to teaching, starting at St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Harrison and later becoming head of the History Department at Coleraine and Northwest High Schools. His love for sports was equally impactful; he coached basketball, football, and track, earning esteemed recognition by being inducted into both the Northwest School District Sports Hall of Fame and the William Henry Harrison High School Hall of Fame. His dedication to youth sports included being named Cincinnati Track Coach of the Year and serving as a referee from high school games to the NBA.
Walter was a steadfast member of the Harrison community, deeply involved in various initiatives that made a lasting difference. He supported St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, served on the Harrison City Council, and played a crucial role in securing funding for the I-74 & New Haven Road overpass project. His love of thoroughbred horse racing led him to co-own racehorses with Team Valor, competing in prestigious races across Kentucky, New York, Florida, and even South Africa.
Above all, Walter cherished his family. He was a devoted husband to Virginia, with whom he celebrated 40 wonderful years of marriage. His legacy lives on through his sons, Todd (Kim) Powers and Mark (Barb) Powers; bonus children Jennifer (Bryan) Morton and Tim (Amy) Walker; and cherished grandchildren: Josie (Tim) Higgins, Stephanie (Sean) Magee, Lee (Amanda) Powers, Erica (Bryan) Minks, Ian (Hannah) Morton, Andrea (Derek) Jones, Matthew Morton, Jason Morton and Will Walker; great grandchildren: Corban, Beau and Tucker Magee, Madison and Elton Powers, & Sophia Morton. He is also remembered fondly by his beloved sisters, Marlene Werner and Karen Morrow and nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Walter was preceded in death by his sons, Dan Joseph Powers and Jay Robert Powers; his parents; brother James Powers; and brothers-in-law Donald Werner and Pete Morrow.
A celebration of Walter's remarkable life will take place with visitation scheduled for Monday, March 17, 2025, from 4 PM to 7 PM at Brater Winter Funeral Home, located at 201 S. Vine Street, Harrison. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 11 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 10010 Carolina Trace Rd, Harrison, OH 45030, followed by burial at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Memorial Fund or to Second Stride Inc., which is a retired thoroughbred rehab and rescue program. A funeral home representative will be available to accept memorials during the visitation and before Mass. If you are unable to attend you can mail donations (made payable to one of the above charities) to Brater Winter Funeral Home, 201 S. Vine St. Harrison, OH 45030. They will notify the family of your donation and mail to charity.
As we gather to honor and celebrate Walter's rich legacy, we remember his zest for life, unwavering commitment to education, and profound love for his family and community. His spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Services
Visitation
Monday
March 17, 2025
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Brater Winter Funeral Home - Harrison
201 S. Vine St.
Harrison, OH 45030
Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday
March 18, 2025
11:00 AM
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (New)
10010 Carolina Trace Rd
Harrison, OH 45030
Graveside Service
Tuesday
March 18, 2025
12:10 PM
St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery
10357 New Biddinger Road
Harrison, OH 45030