Stephen Thomas Powell, 71, of Longwood passed away on Friday July 29,2016 in his residence. Steve was born on November 27, 1944 in Atchison, Kansas; the son of Sylvester and Merle Powell. He married Beverly (Dreier) Powell on June 10, 1967 in Kansas City, Kansas. He was the owner/operator of Gator Mower Parts, and prior to that Grass Roots Lawn Service, which is now owned by his son Robert Powell. Stephen grew up in Mission, Kansas; where his father was Mayor for many years. He graduated from Shawnee Mission North in 1964. Stephen was a graduate of University of Kansas with a Bachelor’s Degree, and earned his U.S. Merchant Officer Certificate with the Coast Guard while living in Florida. Prior to moving to Longwood, Florida in 1985, he lived in Chatham, Illinois where he served on the Chatham City Council, and was an active member of the TRN Boat Club in Springfield, Illinois. He started a Hallmark Store, Card Rack in Springfield, and prior to that was a Hallmark salesman. After moving in Longwood in 1985 he was active in the Daytona Beach Boat Club, serving as Cruise Master for 2 terms, and Membership Chairman. He owned a 30 foot Bayliner that he cruised on the Intercostal Waterway. Upon retirement he became active in RV travel. He and Beverly joined good Sam’s camp group and served a term as Vice President. He also joined the Forest River Owner’s Group and attended several rallys with his 34 foot motorhome. Stephen is survived by his wife Beverly, and their daughter Jennifer Fella and her children Jaimie and Justin. Their son Robert Powell, his wife Amanda, and their two children Alyssa Carter and Rylee Powell. Two sisters- Janet Simonsen (husband Andrew, daughter Sally, son Peter and his wife Michelle and son Cade) all of Overland Park, Kansas, and Dianne Oliver (husband Kent and their daughter Allison) of Nashville, Tennessee. He is also survived by many cousins across the United States and Canada, as well as his brother-in-law Gary Dreier (wife Kathleen and family) of Phoenix, Arizona. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2016 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Chapel, 5000 County Road 46A, Sanford Florida 32771. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm in the funeral home with Pastor Harvey Carpenter officiating. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Park Cemetery. Stephen’s family suggests that in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in his honor.
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