Robert “Bob” Powers
Robert “Bob” Powers, 85, a lifelong farmer from Winamac, passed away Monday, March 18, peacefully at his home from natural causes.
He was born on May 28, 1938, in Winamac to the late Albert and Hazel (Zellers) Powers. Bob graduated from Winamac High School in 1956. On May 31, 1958, he married Beverly “Bev” Ludwig at St. Peter Catholic Church in Winamac. Bev passed away in 2010.
Bob was a devoted member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church and the Winamac Knights of Columbus Council #1561 (he served as Grand Knight in 1979). He was instrumental in securing the property where the current K of C Hall stands today. Bob was also a member and Past President of the Winamac Jaycees. Under his leadership, the Jaycees paid off the financial commitment for the Winamac Town Pool. In 1964-65, the Jaycees began dressing as Santa’s helpers and delivering presents to underprivileged children. This program would become known as Toys for Tots. Bob was a longtime member of Winamac Lion’s Club and for six years, he donated potatoes for use at the Farmer’s Market. He was incredibly supportive of his children’s involvement in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts with such projects as selling Christmas trees and glass recycling. He was supportive of his son’s time in the Winamac High School Band. Bob, and his wife, helped start the Winamac Alumni Association where he served in every office before becoming President in 2006. Bob served many years on the Pulaski Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, Tribal Trails Girl Scout Council, and the Merit Board of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department.
Bob loved farming and driving trucks. He was very proud that the family farm was recognized as a Hoosier Homestead and has been in the Powers family since 1891. Bob enjoyed mowing and keeping an eye on the cemetery. He was an avid coin collector and enjoyed sharing them with others. He won a heat race at Shadyhill in 1986. Bob had a great sense of humor and enjoyed visiting with people. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by daughters: Valerie Powers, Winamac and Kathryn Rodela, Osceola; son Scott Powers, Winamac; granddaughters: Rebecca [husband: Charles Min] Rausch, Melissa [Brandon] Hickle, SaDonna [Kenny] Mayer, Tonya [Keegan] Kasten and Rose [Evan] Criswell; grandsons: David Rausch, Ryan Rodela and Andrew Rodela; 13 great-grandchildren (courtesy of Scott’s daughters); brother Ronald Powers; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by parents: Albert and Hazel (Zellers) Powers; wife Beverly (Ludwig) Powers; sisters: Thelma Powers, Dorothy Watnes, Lucile Allen Gast and Lois Cors Meyer; brothers: James Powers, Richard Powers, Thomas Powers and Harry Powers; and infant brother Carol Powers.
Visitation was from 4-7 p.m., Friday, March 22, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
A scriptural wake service was held at 7 p.m., Friday, March 22, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating.
A Funeral Mass was held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 23, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Winamac, with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating.
Burial will take place at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Cemetery or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
(Pulaski County Journal — March 27, 2024)