John Vernon Powers

John Vernon Powers, 97, of Paragould, passed away on 10 Aug 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe “Ed” and Minnie Powers; his wife of 56 years, Oneda Mae (Adams) Powers; six sisters; and stepchildren, David Cornwell Jr. (of Paragould), Judy Hammett (Ronnie) of Brookland, and Sheila Blain (Donnie) of Jonesboro. After being on his own for 15 years, he met and married Ann Robertson, with whom he shared 8 good years until his passing. He is survived by his wife Ann; his children, Allen (Sharon) Powers, Garry (Shirley) Powers, Gerald “Jerry” (Pia) Powers (all of Paragould), David (Judy) Powers and John Powers (of Linton, Indiana), and Linda Harris (Marty) of Walnut Ridge, as well as numerous grand and 1 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind so very many good friends he made throughout his life. He was a proud veteran of WWII who served honorably with the US Army in the Pacific theater. Upon returning from service, he worked in various businesses in Paragould then as a laborer with General Motors in Lansing, Michigan. Returning to Paragould, he was a partner with Goodwin Poultry and Eggs before joining LA Darling, where he worked until his retirement in 1995. In 1999 he joined the Senior B.E.E.S., delivering Meals on Wheels and driving other B.E.E.S. to their local destinations. He later transitioned to a position supporting the Senior B.E.E.S. as a janitor until he retired in November 2019. He was a long-time member (Deacon and Song Leader) of Third Avenue Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be conducted by Heath Funeral Home (321 W. Garland St., Paragould, AR 72450). Visitation is scheduled for 10-11 AM Monday, 15 Aug, with services at 11AM at Heath Funeral Home followed by burial at New Liberty Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to Heath’s or for a more enduring honor donations may be made in his name to Third Avenue Baptist Church (608 S 3rd Ave., Paragould, AR 72450).