Dr. Ronald D Powell (Ret. Col USAF Reserves) passed away Friday, November 15, at the age of 72, after suffering from brain cancer (primary glioblastoma) since March of this year. He was born in Las Vegas, NV on February 13, 1947 and moved to Oklahoma City with his mother as a toddler. He graduated from El Reno High School in 1965. He graduated with honors from Oklahoma State University with the degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1974. He had his own small animal practice and worked for the USDA for 30 years as a meat & poultry inspection supervisor. He retired from the USDA in 2010.
Ron served in the Special Forces of the US Army reserves and spent some time in Panama. After moving to Fort Smith, Ron served in the Arkansas Air National Guard. He was called to active duty during Desert Storm and ended his military career in 1999 as the 188th ANG Clinic Commander with the rank of Colonel. He was an active member of the Military Officers Association of America.
Ron & his wife, Cheryl, met as teenagers at church camp and were married in Tulsa. They celebrated their 50th anniversary this summer. They have been members of the First United Methodist Church for over 35 years. He has served as a member of the Administrative Board, a Sunday School teacher, Chairman of the Finance Committee and a member of the Le Menage & Cornerstone Sunday School classes. He was a Boy Scout leader for several years and enjoyed helping to shape the young men he worked with.
Ron is survived by his wife, Cheryl (Hicks), son Ross, his wife Jennifer, and grandson Fletcher of Fayetteville AR, and his son Scott, wife Joy, and granddaughters Chloe and Lily of Plano TX. Ron had 2 brothers. John and Alan Niemann, and 4 sisters, Kate Lagaly, Debbie Team, Colette Blatt, and Coleen Powell, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Ernest & Leona Bowles, his father, Fred G. Powell, and his mother Florine (Powell) Niemann, and several aunts and uncles.
Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at First United Methodist Church Fort Smith in the main sanctuary with burial at the US National Cemetery Fort Smith at Noon. Viewing will be 1-7 p.m. Monday, November 18, at Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith, where the family will visit with friends from 5-7 p.m.
Pallbearers will be John and Alan Niemann, Ross and Scott Powell, and Ron's nephews Ryan and Chad Hicks.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 N. 15th St., Fort Smith, AR 72901 or American Legion Post 31, 4901 Midland Blvd, Fort Smith, AR 72904.
