David Powell

Powell, David "Dave" Henry Kalamazoo, MI & formerly of Gull Lake, MI David, age 85, died Monday, December 17, 2018 at Heritage Community, Kalamazoo following a brief illness. David, the son of Rudolph C. and Mildred M. (Prange) Powell, was born in Detroit, MI on October 23, 1933 and moved to Gull Lake in 1993. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 1955 and later from Wayne State University with a Masters Degree in Education. He served as an officer in the United States Army. Dave retired in 1991 after 37 years of faithful service at East Detroit High School, teaching mathematics and then serving as the Math and Science Curriculum Coordinator. He was a member of the Gull Lake United Methodist Church of Richland and the Zephyrhills (FL) United Methodist Church and thoroughly enjoyed singing in both of their choirs. Tennis, camping, and sailing were among his favorite hobbies as well as hosting family and friends at his home on Gull Lake. David was united in marriage to the former Jean F. Gratopp in Detroit on July 2, 1955 who sadly preceded him in death on July 18, 2002. He is survived by his wife, the former Julia A. (Panse) Morgan; they were married at Gull Lake United Methodist Church on November 14, 2009. Also surviving are two daughters, Phyllis (Keith) McConnell of Enon, OH and Janine (Rolfe) Henry of Barnesville, GA; three sons, Lawrence (Susan) Powell of Clinton Township, MI, Jeffrey (Paula) Powell of Dayton, OH and David (Laura) Powell of Brookfield, WI; four step-sons, David (Carol) Morgan of Battle Creek, MI, Jonathan Morgan of Kalamazoo, Stephen (Dawn) Morgan of Richland, MI and Brian (Amie) Morgan of Portage, MI; twenty seven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren, with two great grandchildren on the way. David was also preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Florence Hartman and a brother, Rudolph "Chan" Powell. A Celebration of David's Life will be held in the spring of 2019 at the Gull Lake United Methodist Church, Richland. Interment was at Yorkville Cemetery, Ross Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dave's honor may be directed to the Gull Lake United Methodist Church, 8640 Gull Road, Richland, MI 49083. The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel (269-629-6022) is assisting Dave's family. Personal messages and/or favorite memories of Dave may be place at www.farleyestesdowdle.com