JOHN LEANDER POWERS of Blackwell, Oklahoma October 16, 1935 – August 2, 2023

JOHN LEANDER POWERS October 16, 1935 – August 2, 2023 (Age 87). John Powers passed away peacefully after a long illness surrounded by family. John was born to Eugene Bolton Powers and Imogene Powers and was raised in Stillwater, Ok. He attended Stillwater High school where he enjoyed woodworking and wrestling more than he did classes. He met Edna Seal his senior year and they married in September after graduation in 1954. They were married for 65 years until her passing in 2019.

John was a member of the National Guard 45th division and 120th Engineering Battalion. He and Edna moved to Blackwell in 1955 to help with the cleanup after an F5 tornado hit Blackwell on May 25th, 1955. He worked as a bulldozer operator along with other heavy equipment until he was hired by the Smelter in 1957. In 1960 he was hired part time as a substitute carrier for the Blackwell Post office. He continued working for both the Smelter and the Post office until he retired from the Smelter. He worked fulltime for both for several years. He eventually became Superintendent of Mail and in 1988 Officer in Charge. In 1989 he took the position of Postmaster at Tonkawa until he retired after 34 years with the Post office in 1994.

John and Edna had three children, Terry Powers (deceased), Glenna Sue Barnard and Lynn Christine Fell (deceased). He is survived by his daughter Glenna Sue Barnard, five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother Eugene Powers and one sister Lillian Fry. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, travel and spending time with his grandchildren.

At John’s request his body was donated to OSU Center for Health Sciences – Body Donor Program. There will be no services at his request.

Paid Obituary