Michael Christopher Powell, known affectionately as Mike, was born on March 11, 1970, in Osceola, Missouri, and he passed peacefully at his home in Baldwin City, Kansas surrounded by his loving family on December 7, 2024. He was 54 years old.
Mike was a proud graduate of Ottawa High School, class of 1987. His career spanned several fields; he began as a car salesman for Ottawa Ford and South Star Chrysler before transitioning into insurance work, serving as a catastrophe insurance adjuster for many years. In the 2010’s, he established his own agency in Eudora, Kansas. Furthermore, Mike was an owner/operator of P.Y.E. Logistics, delivering goods over the road and also owned and operated Main Street Antiques and Furniture in Ottawa, Kansas.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Mike’s service to his country was marked by his time in the Army from February 23, 1989 to July 31, 1992, where he served as a ground surveillance systems operator during Desert Storm. For his dedication and efforts, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and an Expert Badge for both the M-16 rifle and hand grenade.
Mike was united in marriage on September 9, 2003, in the Bahama’s to Veronica (Lawrence) Powell, she survives of the home.
A man of varied interests, Mike collected whiskey and enjoyed playing poker, particularly Texas Hold’em. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs football team and embraced travel as a cherished pastime. Mike was a former member of Covenant Church in Osage City, Kansas, and he held his family in the highest regard.
Along with his devoted wife, Veronica, Mike is survived by his father Stephen Powell (Brenda) of Pomona, Kansas and his beloved sisters Stephanie Griffin of Buffalo, Missouri and Crystal Musil of Kansas City, Kansas. He leaves behind a legacy of love through his children: Christopher Freeman (Kylee) of Norton, Kansas; Chelsey Freeman of Lawrence, Kansas; Noah Powell of Osage City, Kansas; Tiffany Timmons (Ty) of Topeka, Kansas; Jordan Powell of Stanford, California; Michaela Powell of Lawrence, Kansas; and Madison Powell of Baldwin City, Kansas. Mike also cherished his thirteen grandchildren and the camaraderie of his squad members known as the “Romeos.”
Mike is preceded in death by his mother, Rebecca and his son John Smith. His memory will be honored by those who had the privilege to know him and by the many lives he touched throughout his journey.
A memorial service in celebration of Mike’s life will be held at 5:30pm on December 17, 2024, at Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa, Kansas.
