Jay Robert Powell

Jay was the youngest of six children born to Perry and Beulah Powell. During his childhood he was affectionately called, “Jay Robert” by all that knew him. He had a close bond with his sisters, brother, and nephew, Harold “Junior” Powell.

Jay was a talented athlete who lettered in baseball, track, basketball, and football while attending Lewistown High School. It was during his days as football quarterback that his athletic prowess shined the most. Combined with his talent as quarterback and his twinkling blue eyes, he quickly became a hometown hero when he helped lead his Lewiston Panthers to a 9-0 undefeated season in 1951, and an 8-1 record in 1952.

Jay continued his football proficiency as a 3-year starting quarterback during his college career at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. It was at F&M while tossing a football in the park with his fraternity brothers, that he met the love of his life, Colleen Liddy of Fort Wayne, Indiana. That chance meeting led to a 61 year love affair that lasted until Colleen passed in 2020.

After college, Jay proudly served America in the United States Army and took Colleen as his wife on 2/21/1959. They lived in the states of Texas and Pennsylvania in the early years of their marriage. In 1966, he and Colleen moved to Fort Wayne, IN, which is when his career in banking began to flourish.

In his professional life, Jay rose to the role of President of Anthony Wayne Bank, where he was respected and admired by his employees. He was known as a kind and considerate leader and played a leading role in transforming the banking industry within the state of Indiana. Jay retired from banking in 1988.

Of all the roles Jay had in life, his favorites were that of husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Not only was he adored as a grandfather, but also as an uncle. He had nieces and nephews from as far west as Wyoming to as far east as Pennsylvania, and was given the honor of walking two of his nieces down the aisle on their wedding days.

In his free time, Jay loved sailing, vacationing in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, taking road trips in his RV, and playing fetch with his beloved collie, Sparky. Even in his 70s, he was involved in youth football through The Chapel Church in Fort Wayne. Jay enjoyed volunteering at the Fort Wayne Humane Shelter, driving widows to church, helping those in need, and serving in many volunteer roles throughout his life. During his last 9 years of life, Jay was an active resident in two senior communities and kept busy by participating in craft classes, learning to paint, and by leading Bible studies.

Jay was an avid reader of biographies, history, and novels, however, the Bible was the #1 book on his reading list. As a child in Sunday school, he memorized James 1:22 and was motivated in life by the final four words of that verse, “Do what it says.” He loved Culver’s hamburgers, Hartley’s potato chips, and rarely turned down a salty snack or a milkshake. His life epitomized his favorite scripture, Psalm 118:24- “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it”. Jay lived life with a joyful heart, which was evident to all who knew him.

He is survived by his children, Steven Powell (Anne), Timothy Powell (Mary), Mary Catherine “Cathy” Paschen (Jeff), and Michael Powell (Amy); 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Jay’s cause of death was congestive heart failure. He was eager to go to his heavenly home and reunite with his love, Colleen. His children and grandchildren are grateful his suffering is over and confident they will see both their parents again in Heaven.

A calling will be held on Friday, 4/26, at 12pm at Greenlawn Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and followed by a service at 2pm. Online condolences may be offered at: www.leppertmortuary.com

Memorials may be made in Jay’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project by calling 855-448-3997.