Paul Jackson "Pappy" Powell, 90, died Dec. 14, 2014, at his home in Hutchinson. He was born April 14, 1924, in Omega, Ga., to Charles S. and Cora E. (Baker) Powell. Paul graduated from Omega High School in 1942. He enlisted in the United States Navy in Georgia, and to his disbelief he was stationed at the U.S. Naval Base in Yoder. Paul retired as a captain with the Hutchinson Fire Department in 1969. After retiring, he went to work for the Hutchinson Correctional Facility and retired as a lieutenant in 1990. Paul and his wife managed the Scotsman Inn in Hutchinson for 11 years before formally retiring in 2001.

On Sept. 16, 1946, he married Geraldine E. "Jerry" Foster in Lyons. They were wed for almost 58 years before her passing on July 1, 2004.

He is survived by: daughter, Teresa G. Powell of Hutchinson; sons, Roland K. "Bud" Powell and wife Bonnie of Ozark, Mo., Paul Scott Powell and wife Tommiann of Hutchinson; sister, Geneva Pickard of Macklin, Ga.; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers; and 4 sisters.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastor Richard Haley officiating. Burial will follow in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum with graveside honors being conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard and the Hutchinson Fire Department Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday with family to receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.

Paul spent his entire adult life in Hutchinson and was dedicated to his family and church. He was there for his family no matter what the need and was an inspiration to them all. He raised his children with true family traditions that are carried on among them all to this day. We will greatly miss his laughter, quick wit, and that million dollar smile. We not only lost a father and grandfather, but also a true friend and hero. But our reward is knowing that he is in a better place and is with the one true love of his life. Good-bye, Dad!