Alonzo Powell Jr.

The outstanding life of Alonzo Powell Jr., also lovingly known as “Scooter”, simply cannot be summed up into a single piece of paper, because that is how truly special he was. Alonzo was born to Jolene Powell and Alonzo Powell Sr. in Kansas City, Missouri on March 5th, 1956 where his journey first began. As a baby, he was very rambunctious and lively, often scooting around on his butt to get from one place to another, which landed him the quirky nickname that we all fondly know as “Scooter”. Growing up it was very apparent that he had a great interest in music, leading him to pick up his very first instrument in Elementary School. Eventually his passion towards the arts continued to grow while attending North East Jr. High and Sumner High School which sparked the beginning of his musical career, playing in bands such as, “Get Down People” and “Threatening Weather”. He was also a very talented athlete, juggling being both a musician and a standout player in basketball, football and track, earning the name “Watusi” because of his extreme speed and athletic ability.

Despite his talents in athletics, it was his music teacher, Leon Brady who truly opened his eyes to just how obtainable a musical career could be given his God given talents! He was interested in learning to play the guitar, and trumpet, but when he experienced the magnifying and bold power of the snares, and tom toms it was clear that the drums were his true calling! Eager to further expand his musical knowledge, he later went on to attend Kansas City, Kansas Junior College, and the UMKC Conservatory of Music.

His dedication to perfecting his craft eventually paid off, allowing Alonzo to fulfill his passion by performing and teaching music within the industry as a full-time musician for decades! As a professional drummer, he had the opportunity to work with some of the best such as: Norman Brown, the late James Ingram, Stevie Wonder , Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle, The Platters , the late Bruce Conte of, “Tower of Power”, the well-known Bon Ton Band of Kansas City and a trailing resume of many more. Along the way, his professional accolades also opened doors to acting roles, obtaining acting credits in T.V shows such as Charmed, 90210 and My Wife and Kids.

“Scooter’s” love of music also forged amazing opportunities that allowed him to travel both domestically and abroad which led him to place residency in states such as Missouri, Kansas, California, Arizona and more! Internationally, he was fortunate enough to have traveled to destinations like Singapore, Jamaica, Africa, Japan, the Maltese Islands and countless other places. His travels allowed him to not only expand his network of professionals, but also his network of friends, many whom he considered like family.

Although his career was more than star-studded, “Scooter” made sure to genuinely show each and every person that crossed his path just how loved they were and set out to make everyone laugh upon entering his presence. Other than being rich at heart, he must have also been swimming in cash, because he would always jokingly say, “give me 20 bucks and I’ll tell you”, if ever you needed his advice! His witty advice and fun-loving demeanor could also be witnessed in the kitchen, where he had no problem showing his love for onions (of all things) that he would proudly crunch into as an Apple amusing all of those around him!

When Alonzo decided that his full-time touring musical journey would need to soon come to a close, he focused his energy on spending quality time with his two children and creating lasting memories with his siblings and friends. He also decided to shift gears by continuing his education at ITT Technical Institute where he graduated and received his degrees. He later worked at John Jacobs Elementary School as a music teacher, where he furthered his passion for teaching children about the love of music and helping them tap into their fullest potential.

He was a loving son, father, husband, brother, uncle, friend, and teacher. It was clear that “Scooter” was placed on this Earth to touch lives, and he did just that. He lit up a room no matter where he was and truly cared about everyone, never treating anyone as a stranger. He will live on in all of us, and if we are blessed enough to make it to that Heavenly place, he will be waiting for us all shouting “WORD”! The good-times and sweet memories will live on forever and ever, and in the great words of Alonzo “Scooter” Powell, “peace and hair grease until we meet again”!

Those preceded in death are his loving parents Jolene F. Powell, and Alonzo Powell Sr.

He is survived by his brothers Harvey Powell, Jeffrey Powell, and Steven Powell as well as his sisters Christine Tolber and Stacey Powell. Alonzo Jr. also leaves behind two children, Alonzo (Trey) Powell III, and Alayna Powell.

A Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 24th from 4 to 6 PM at Surprise Funeral Care with a service to follow at 6 PM.