Wayne R. Powell

1953 - 2025

Wayne R. Powell

March 31, 1953 - November 3, 2025

Wayne R. Powell, age 72, passed away at home on November 3, 2025, surrounded by the love of his wife and two sons.

Wayne was born on March 31, 1953, in Council Bluffs, IA, and lived in the area throughout his life. He attended Abraham Lincoln High School, where he met his wife, Deb, and graduated in 1971. Wayne and Deb were married on March 30, 1974, and welcomed their son Ryan in 1976 and son Josh in 1980. Wayne worked for US West/Qwest for 32 years. He was a member of the Elks Club, the Council Bluffs Fish and Game Club, and the CWA, and he loved to golf and birdwatch. Wayne was also a talented artist who made furniture, hand-carved and painted Santa Clauses, and stained glass. Ever thoughtful, he made personalized gifts for his loved ones, including over 40 Santa Clauses for friends and family during the COVID year.

A life well-lived is made up of stories, and boy, could Wayne tell you some stories. Name a place in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro area, and Wayne would tell you about some crazy experience he'd had there. He was friendly and considerate to all, which is why he had so many friends whom he cared deeply for.

Above all, Wayne's love and kindness are his lasting legacy. Though it sometimes expressed itself as worry, Wayne's love for his family was clear in everything that he said and did. If we had a nickel for every time he told us to be careful…but of course, it was all done out of love. No matter how busy he was, he would always make time to help a friend or family member in need. Whether it was helping Ryan build a deck at his home or helping Josh haul artwork, Wayne would see that the job got done. Throughout his life, right up to the end, Wayne's thoughts were always on what he could do to make life better for his beloved family, especially his wife of 51 years, Deb.

Wayne and Deb's love story was the real-life version of what we all hope for. Their love, devotion, respect, and affection for one another built a joyful life for them and everyone around them. They taught their kids and other young people in their lives what it truly meant to work hard for and create a loving partnership.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Deb Powell; two sons, Ryan (Jennifer) Powell and Josh (Emilie) Powell; granddaughter, Nina (Dillon) Sass; grandson, Henry Powell; great-grandchildren, Avery, Eli, and Theo Sass; three brothers, Kenton (Marlene) Powell, Steve (Julie) Powell, and Bruce (Jill) Powell; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Powell and Gloria Powell.

"Always remember, there was nothing worth sharing like the love that let us share our name." – The Avett Brothers

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, November 7, from 4 to 7:00 p.m. at Cutler-O'Neill-Meyer-Woodring Bayliss Park Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Midlands Humane Society.