Frank L. Powell, 71, passed away on March 7, 2018 in Ocala, FL.
Born, January 25, 1947 in Bloomington, he was the son of Frank and Mildred (Jackson) Powell.
He attended Stinesville School and served as Class Vice President, played basketball and played a baritone horn in the jazz band. He graduated with honors from Edgewood High School in 1965.
Frank served in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman Second Class Surgical Technician as part of the Mobile Riverine Force, Mekong Delta, Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. After receiving an honorable discharge, he completed an Associate degree of Electronics Technology from DeVry University.
He later worked as a motorcycle technician at Big Red Kawasaki in Ellettsville, IN. He also worked for many years as a machinist and union shop steward at Otis Elevator in Bloomington before taking a position and retiring as a UAW foundry worker and union shop steward at International Harvester/Navistar International, in Indianapolis, IN.
He and his father owned and operated Red’s Rod and Reel Repair in Ellettsville for several years in the 1980’s. He was known for making beautifully hand-wrapped custom fishing rods. He was an accomplished hunter, fisherman, and woodsman. He excelled as an archer, marksman, and gunsmith.
Frank was a lifetime member of VFW Post 1257 and American Legion Post 230 in Martinsville, IN; and Mobile Riverine Force Association member. He was also a member and former officer of the local Harley Owners Group chapter. ABATE member, and lifelong G.O.B. widely known as the unofficially Grand Poohbah of the Groundhog Day Association, Indiana Chapter.
Frank loved hot rods, riding and customizing motorcycles, and frequently attended the NHRA US Nationals in Indianapolis and Sprint Car races at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, OH.
In the 1980’s he attended Gray Road Baptist Church in Indianapolis with his family and served as an AWANA youth leader. He loved playing guitar and entertaining folks with his unique and hilarious spoofs of popular songs.
Frank never knew a stranger, had an infectious sense of humor and sharp wit. He had an enormous heart and would have given you the shirt off his back, if asked. He was one of a kind and lived life to the fullest in his very own unique way and will be dearly missed by all.
He is survived by his wife, Patty Keith, her son, Marty Collier, his wife Michelle, and their sons, Blake and Alex, and brother, Perry Powell.
He is also survived by his son, Bradley Powell, his wife Monica and grandchildren; Anders Frank, Nils Bjorne, and Erry Solveig.
Frank was preceded in death by his first wife, Janis J. (Hammerman) Powell, his brother, Steve Powell and his parents.
Visitation will be 11am-1:30pm Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at The Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard, 3000 E. Third St. in Bloomington.
Funeral services will be 1:30pm Tuesday at The Funeral Chapel with Mark Villanova officiating. The Monroe County Veteran’s Honor Guard will perform military rites following the service.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Marion County Fund Development Dept. 3231 SW 34th Ave. Ocala, FL 34474, or the Ellettsville Baptist Church, 115 S. Sale St. Ellettsville, IN 47429.