William (“Bill”) John Powell
William (“Bill”) John Powell, born January 1, 1940 was taken into the arms of his Heavenly Father on July 22, 2023. In his earthly death he is now reunited with his loving and faithful parents, Wilbur Edward Powell and Margaret Elizabeth Binder, who adopted him when he was eight years old and who preceded him in death.
Bill graduated from Jackson High School in 1958. He lived 50 years in Jackson before moving to Charlotte, MI where he lived for the past 26 years in the company of his beloved partner, Debbie LaPaugh. In his younger years Bill was very active in sports including baseball, basketball, and football. He spent 20 years as a Michigan high school and college referee. More recently he also enjoyed playing on senior leagues for golf and bowling in Charlotte.
Bill is also survived by his two daughters, Denise Powell Montebello and Jennifer Powell Ramsay, both of West Michigan; children from his first marriage to Karen Darby; grandchildren, Emily Montebello and Michael Montebello, both of England, Natalie Ramsay and Reid Ramsay, both of West Michigan; his first great-grandchild, Solomon Montebello (8 months) of England; his sister, Judy Lightheart Lester of California; stepsons Jeremiah LaPaugh of Elwell and Andy (Jennifer) LaPaugh of Olivet; and step-grandchildren Linkin, Lyla and Kamden LaPaugh of Olivet. He also leaves behind his two precious German Shepherds, Dakota and Ellie, who brought him much joy, purpose and comfort each day.
Bill will be lovingly remembered by all of his family and friends as a man of great humor and energy, always pushing himself physically to do more. After living with chronic pain for years, he is free at last to rejoice in the presence of his savior Jesus Christ without affliction and in the fullness of His glory, Hallelujah! In his final days he repeatedly sang this hymn:
Coming home, coming home, Nevermore to roam,
Open wide Thine arms of love Lord, I’m coming home.
Cremation has taken place and interment at Hillcrest Cemetery in Jackson will be decided at a later date.