Charles Alvin Powell

Charles Alvin Powell, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri at the age of 92.

Charlie was born on February 08, 1933, in Neelyville, Missouri to Alvin Ernest Powell and Gladys Mae Garrett Powell. He was the oldest of five siblings whom he loved and cherished.

Charlie enjoyed playing basketball and baseball for the Neelyville Tigers. After graduating from Neelyville High School in 1952, he served in the United States Army and was deployed to Germany. On September 20, 1959, he married his bride of 65 years, Alma Lee Ahrent of Corning, Arkansas, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Corning, Arkansas. They moved to Poplar Bluff, Missouri to start their life, and it would be their home for 65 years.

Charlie worked at M & A Electric Power Cooperative for over 30 years and was blessed to enjoy a long retirement. He was a lifelong car enthusiast. He also enjoyed raising his beloved hunting beagles, gardening, and traveling- especially to his favorite place, Dauphin Island, Alabama. He was a lifelong, loyal supporter of the St. Louis Cardinal's baseball team, and took great pride in attending games with his family whenever he could.

Charlie was truly a good and decent gentleman, full of integrity and love for family, neighbors and friends. He had a great sense of humor, a gentle spirit, and a smile that would light up any room. His relationship with Christ was the cornerstone of his life. Charlie was a faithful servant, leaning on his faith, especially during the last years of his life as he battled cancer. He was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Charlie leaves behind a family who will forever cherish the memories and love shared with him.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Alma Lee Ahrent Powell of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; two daughters, Terri Powell (Matt), of Maryland Heights, Missouri and Laura Powell Farmer (Woodson), of Germantown, Tennessee; one beloved granddaughter, Emmaline Farmer of Germantown, Tennessee; one brother, Reggie Powell ( Norma) of Fairdealing, Missouri; along with several nieces and nephews that he cherished.

He was preceded in death by his infant brother, Augustus (Gus) Powell; two sisters, Genevieve Powell of Neelyville, Missouri and Mary Helen Powell Peters of Springfield, Missouri.

The family wishes to thank all friends, neighbors and caregivers who so lovingly cared for Charlie during his illness.

Visitation will be held from 11:00am-12:00pm on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services in Poplar Bluff. Funeral service will begin at noon with Pastor Justin Sponaugle officiating. Burial will take place at the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

The family has requested that memorials be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Mr. Charles Powell. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com.