Doyle Powers

Doyle Powers, age 75, of Kalamazoo, MI met his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday evening, November 27, 2016 at Bronson Hospital with family at his side singing praises to the Lord. He successfully battled Hodgkin's Lymphoma, but succumbed to the lethal effects to his lungs of one of his chemo drugs. Doyle was born the second of three children to Zella (Pegg) and Merle Powers on March 19, 1941 at Bronson Hospital. He lived most of his life in the greater Kalamazoo area attending various churches before landing at Calvary Bible Church over 20 years ago. Doyle enjoyed his years at Mattawan schools; graduating from Portage High School. He attended Pillsbury Baptist Bible College in Owatonna Minnesota. In 1981, Doyle married the love of his life, Barbara Jo (Borders). He worked over 30 years for The Upjohn Company retiring in his 50's as supervisor of the carpenter shop. He enjoyed his retirement years as a cabinet maker and handy-man for many people in Michigan as well as out of state. The project he was most proud of was completing his custom built log home. Doyle lived a life of service to others, for his God. He enjoyed mission trips and projects to build for His Kingdom. He had a subtle humor and a captivating smile, but the twinkle of his blue eyes was his trademark. Woodworking, playing cards, dice, and games were favorites of his and growing a big vegetable garden was a yearly achievement. Doyle and Barbara Jo enjoyed camping and traveling across the US as well as canvasing the great state of Michigan. Taking his bride for trips to the Michigan lake shore was his favorite pastime. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert and sister Sharon. Left to rejoice in his home-going are his wife of 35 years Barbara Jo and his children and grandchildren: Tim (Velma) Powers of Galesburg, Ashley and Dustin; Cheryl (Royce) Bell of Idaho, Kaitlyne, Megan, Wade & Wyatt; Mark Powers of Iowa, Chelsea & Joel; Jay (Shari) Penning of Indianapolis, Caleb, Alexandra & Makaela; Kathleen (Nathan) Smith of Schoolcraft, Grayson, Rockwell, Deitrich & Avonlea; plus several great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Kathleen Borders of Milwaukee, Deb (Jim) Gunderson of Scottville & many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 30th 4:00-6:30pm and Memorial Services Thursday December 1st 11:00am at Calvary Bible Church, 885 S. Drake Road Kalamazoo, MI 49009; Dr. John Barnett presiding. Contributions in memory of Doyle may be made to Calvary Bible Church Missions fund or Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, 448 N. Burdick St. Kalamazoo MI 49007. Avink Funeral Home Cremation Society.