Edsel R. "Ed" Powell, age 80 of Drummond Island, MI, formerly of Monroe, passed away Tuesday morning, Nov. 23rd at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital. He had been in poor health for two years.
Born October 8, 1941 in Harlan, KY, Ed was the son of the late James and Linda (White) Powell. He married Ruth A. Langland on August 12, 1978 in Monroe.
As a young man, Ed served his country in the U.S. Army and then went to work for New York Central Railroad. Afterwards he began a 30 year career with Ford Motor Company at the Monroe Stamping Plant. After retiring in 1995, Ed and Ruth moved to their dream home on Drummond Island.
Ed was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trap shooting. His skill once ranked him 2nd in the state in competition trap shooting. Ed was also an avid amateur ham radio operator.
A devout Christian, Ed prioritized God and family in his life. He was a member of Drummond Island Baptist Church and a former member of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church where he was baptized.
Ed is survived by his wife of 43 years, Ruth Powell; three children: Teresa Miller of Columbus, Ohio, Lore (Theodore) Morris of Tamarac, Florida, and David Powell of Bowling Green, Kentucky; a sister, Katie (Donald) Steinman of LaSalle; three grandchildren: Lanita Bohonnan, Christopher Morris, and Richard Powell; and five great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Ed was also preceded in death by a son, Robert Crowe, and five brothers, Tilford Gibson, Johnny Powell, Odevia Powell, Kenneth Powell, and William Powell.
Family and friends may visit from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 29th at Bacarella Funeral Home where services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Rev. Charles Enebrad, Pastor of Drummond Island Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park with military honors provided by Monroe VFW Post 1138.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to their church to continue ministering to their community.