Powell, Dale Chester 1919-2016

POWELL, EVERMAN, SMITH, STONE, PISEL, GRANT, CARD, ISDAL, BAILEY, POINT

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer
Date: 1/4/2017 at 15:51:10

Dale Chester Powell, 97, has lovingly entered into the arms of his heavenly father and was warmly welcomed by his family that had passed before to prepare his heavenly place among them on October 6, 2016.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00pm on Sunday October 9, 2016 at Snell-Zornig Funeral Home, Camanche with a Masonic Blue Lodge service at 7:30pm. A Celebration of Life will be 10:00am, Monday, October 10, 2016 at St. Mark's Methodist Church with burial at Prairie Union Cemetery, Low Moor, Iowa. Honoring their grandfather as pallbearers will be Angela Jacobs, Todd Card, Niki Melchiori, Wade Powell, Lonny Melchiori, Shannon Powell, Aaron Melchiori and Molly Jess. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting his obituary at www.snellzornig.com.

Dale was born in Bassano Alberta, Canada to Chester and Birdie (Everman) Powell on June 12, 1919. At the age of 12 the Powell's moved to Camanche, Iowa, where Dale attended Clinton Schools, graduating in 1937. In 1940, Dale married Marguerite Smith in Clinton, Iowa. Through this union Dale and Marguerite raised three children, Thomas, Judy, and Joan. After their marriage the Powell's moved to California where Dale worked at Lockheed Martin before joining the Merchant Marines, stationed at Catalina Island in California and Corpus Christie, Texas.

Dale and Marguerite settled in the Camanche area upon return after service to his country. Dale was a visionary and always felt that his passion for the construction field needed organization. He and several fellow construction workers were instrumental in the formation of Millwright Union Local 2158 in 1946. Dale was not to be stopped there, he saw a need to incorporate the younger generation in the field and introduced the apprentice program for young millwrights. Dale retired from the union in 1984 but remained active in the Millwrights, attending the Union parade in Rock Island every year until this past year. Dale Powell is the last of the charter members of Local 2158.

Marguerite passed in 1970 and Dale married Barbara (Stone)Smith in 1972. Barbara passed in February 2016.

Dale was a member of St. Mark's Methodist Church, a member and past-master of the Camanche Masonic Lodge #60, as well as, a member of the Kabba Shrine and the Oriental Band. Dale took great pride in driving disabled children to Chicago for various appointments to the Shriners Hospital. He was a member of ABC Men's Bowling Association, holding the office of president and secretary. Hunting in Canada for those Canadian geese was an adventure that he loved, although recently, turkey hunting placed a close second. A great highlight for Dale was the honor flight to Washington D.C. His vivid memories of that day were etched in his mind, to be forever relayed to those that were there to listen. Dale spent many a morning shooting pool, drinking coffee and regaling stories of the past with his long time buddies at the Camanche V.F.W. Post. Weekend afternoons would find him watching the Chicago Cubs or the Green Bay Packers trying to earn their respective place in the sports section of the paper. Dale's greatest pleasure was watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow into wonderful young individuals. Each one unique in their own way.

Dale is survived by one son Thomas(Sharon) Powell, two daughters Judy(Don) Pisel and Joan(Bob) Grant, all of Camanche. Eight grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. A brother-in-law Bob "Rocky the Barber" Stone.

Dale was preceded in death by his wives, one granddaughter, Joleen Powell, one grandson, Shawn Card, twin great-granddaughters, Kaylee and Karlee Powell and a special niece, Nancy Isdal. His parents, one brother, Donald Powell, 2 sisters, Jeanette Isdal Bailey and Carol Point.

Memorials may be made to the Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society, St. Mark's Methodist Church and Local Hospice or Clarissa Cook.