Gerald L. Powell

POWELL, Gerald L. "Jerry" age 89 of Urbana, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026. He was born on July 17, 1936 to the late Bill and Myrtle (Johnson) Powell in Kingscreek, Salem Township, Ohio. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved son, J.D. Powell; sister, Marlyn Sue Smith and mother of his children, June Powell. He is survived by his children: Walter C. (Jeannine) Powell, Myra (Scott Arnold) King, and Manessa Roland; grandchildren: Jared Sanford, Zach (Heather) Sanford, Isaac Sanford, Danielle (Logan) Turner, Sean King and Raajih Roland; great-grandchildren: London, Morrow, and Cohen. He also leaves behind his loving companion of twenty years, Kay Moffitt as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jerry graduated from Salem High School in 1954 and was a lifelong member of Kingscreek United Methodist Church. He was employed at International Harvester/Navistar for 38 years and in retirement enjoyed winters in Okeechobee, Florida.

Jerry served in the United States Army Reserves for 6 years and was a member of the American Legion 120, VFW post 5451 and the Urbana Moose Lodge. Jerry was a 34 year 4-H advisor and raised purebred suffolk sheep. He and his children and grandchildren showed at local and surrounding county fairs, as well as, state and national shows. He was also a former Champaign County Fair Board member. Jerry was honored by being inducted into the Champaign County Sheepman Hall of Fame.

Jerry was an avid supporter of West Liberty-Salem sports; OSU football and basketball and the Cincinnati Bengals. He always enjoyed boating with his family in Lake Cumberland, Indian Lake and Lake Okeechobee, Florida.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Walter & Lewis Funeral Home, Urbana. His funeral will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor David Brown officiating. Jerry will be laid to rest at Kingscreek Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Kingscreek United Methodist Church or Champaign County Sheepman Association (c/o Rachel Yoder, 4405 N. St. Rte. 560 Urbana, Ohio 43078) Condolences are forwarded to the family by visiting www.walterfunerals.com