Harold Warren Powell, 99, passed away on Jan. 5, 2022 at his home in Fall Creek, Ore. He was born to Melvin Cornelius and Fay Gertrude Duncan Powell of Springfield, Colo., in Hooker, Okla. on May 8, 1922.
Harold served with distinction in World War II, earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses and other honors in the Army Air Corps. He was discharged with the rank of staff sergeant at the war’s end in 1945.
Harold moved from Springfield, Colo., to Springfield, Ore. in 1952 and settled in Fall Creek, Ore., in 1956. Harold worked as a millwright from 1957 to 1984 and retired from Stone Forest Industries as maintenance superintendent. At work, he was known for his practicality, easy-going humor, and for fostering camaraderie. While his children were young, he led Cub Scouts in Lowell.
Harold loved social times held over coffee, cards and dominoes and breakfasts. He put high value on telling a good story and having a hard laugh. Harold took pride in his military service and enjoyed reading history. He loved whittling and woodworking, gardening and exploring the deserts of Arizona. He tinkered throughout his life and his curiosity and inventiveness led to holding a patent for a braked mechanical device.
Harold was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Audrey Imogene “Gene” Rutherford Powell, his second wife Hazel Jean Winfrey-Powell, and brothers Donald Melvin Powell and Roy Raymond Remling. He is survived by his children Quinton Powell and wife Barbara of Fall Creek, Donna McCallum and husband Dennis of Fall Creek, Doug Powell of Lowell, and Vicki Olinghouse of Springfield. He also leaves grandchildren Dawn Gossler, David McCallum, Dustin McCallum, Devin Powell, Rhonda Leach, Delynn Young, Dionne Plahn, Daniele McCallum, Hope Olinghouse, and Maria Russell, 22 great grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to State Library of Oregon Talking Book Services in memory of Harold Powell.
