Jerry Leon Powell's Obituary
Jerry Leon Powell, age 69, of Moulton, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, May 4, 2026, surrounded by family. He was known for being a hard worker in service to family, friends, and neighbors, and a steward of the land.
Born on October 31, 1956, in Centerville, Iowa, Jerry was the son of Orris Leon and Patty Joan (Doll) Powell. He was a member of the Fairview Church of the Brethren his entire life and a graduate of Moulton-Udell schools, class of 1974.
Jerry was a veteran, having enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he specialized as a radio field operator from 1976 to 1979. He served in Twenty-Nine Palms, San Diego, California; Camp Lejeune in North Carolina; and Camp Schwab in Okinawa, Japan. He was honorably discharged out of Camp Pendleton in California in 1979.
Following his service, Jerry continued his education at Indian Hills Community College, completing truck driving courses that would later become part of his working life when he drove part-time for Hy-Vee. He also worked at Union Carbide and planted trees for Kingston Forestry in Arkansas. For 25 years, Jerry was dedicated to carrying the mail for the United States Postal Service, where he had many friends and was the recipient of many gifts of appreciation, retiring in 2024.
Jerry enjoyed fishing, riding his Harley, and most of all farming with his son Jerod. Together they raised cattle and alfalfa and tended row crops. Of all the roads Jerry traveled, his best memories are with his son — leaving a legacy of hard work, leadership, and a willingness to help a friend or stranger in need of service.
Left to remember Jerry are his son Jerod Powell (Makenley Fenton); his mother Patty Powell; sisters Diana (Bill) Nutt, Linda (Mike) Shields, and Janet Powell; nephews Ryan and Kelly Nutt; uncles Earl and Darrell Powell; and his border collie, Jade — always by his side enjoying a ride on the tractor or in the pickup. He was preceded in death by his dad, Orris Powell.
Visitation will be held Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville, with the family greeting friends from 5:00PM-7:00PM. Funeral services will be held at 10:30AM, Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Fairview Church of the Brethren in Unionville, Iowa. Military honors will be held at the church following the service. Per Jerry's wishes, cremation will follow the service, and a private family burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to either the Fairview Church of the Brethren or EveryStep Hospice, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Powell Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at https://www.thomasfh.com or https://www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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