Edward F. Powell

Edward F. Powell, 83, passed away Saturday, September 13, 2025. He was born to Van and Bessie (Carter) Powell in Wichita, Kansas. 

Edward "Corky" Powell was born in Wichita, KS. His family lived in Colorado and Oklahoma for a short time before moving to the family home on Spruce street in Wichita, Kansas. Edward joined the Marine corp with his good friend John Morgan in September 1959. He was a PFC and served 4 years. When his service was completed, Edward and John made the trip from the base in California back home to Kansas in what he describes an 18 hour drive. After his military service he pursued a long career in the aircraft industry working at Beech, Cessena and lastly, Boeing where he retired at age 62. During times when he was "laid off" or between aircraft jobs he worked in cosmetology and boat repair,

On February 15, 1964 he married Nancy A. Schafer. While he was serving in the military he wrote to his mother asking often about Nancy and in one letter he asked his mother to contact Nancy and ask if she would marry Edward. They were married at Sharon Baptist Church in Wichita, Kansas. They resided in Wichita until 1980 when they purchased a newly built home in Derby, Kansas. It was in this home that their niece Chris Eichman joined them. Edward and Nancy were known to open their home to teens that needed a place to stay and were well known in the community for being a "respite" of sorts for young people.

Edward had several hobbies which ranged from pheasant hunting, trap shooting, golf, motorcycle racing and fishing. He also enjoyed spending time with his kids in their sports activities such as serving as baseball commissioner, coach and taking his youngest son around the country to soccer tournaments. In all, fishing was his go to hobby that he seemed to enjoy the most.

Preceded in death by his parents and niece, Chris Eichman. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Nancy; children, Wendy (Don) McGregor, Darren Powell, Jamie (Victoria) Powell; grandchildren, Monica and Marisa McGregor, Donovan, Mia, Edison; siblings, Vanice M. Hephner, Van C. Powell and great nieces, Whitney and Ella Eichman.

Celebration of life is 2:00 pm Friday, September 26, 2025 at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Road, Derby, KS 67037.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Wichita Association of the Deaf, 1646 E Central Ave, Wichita, KS 67214.