Raymond "Alan" Powers

March 2, 1947 - May 5, 2022

Raymond Alan Powers was born March 2, 1947, in Springfield, Missouri, and was the fourth child born to Raymond Leon Powers and Doris Elaine (Browning) Powers. “Alan” grew up in Richland, Missouri, and graduated from Richland High School in 1965. Alan loved music and was very active in music during his school years winning numerous vocal competitions. He had a classical trained voice but could also play numerous instruments including the flat top guitar, piano, and brass instruments. He appreciated music of all genres and passed his musical talents and love for music on to his children. Alan made of profession of faith at a young age. He was a member of the Methodist Church and was active in the choir during his youth. On December 21, 1967 Alan entered the US Army, proudly serving his country until he received an honorable discharge on May 24, 1969. Alan received his Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and his Expert (Rifle) award. After completing his time in the military, Alan attended college at SE Missouri State University and obtained his bachelor’s degree. Alan began his teaching career for the Laquey School District; then on to the Waynesville School District for twenty-six years, retiring in 2004 as Learning Technology Specialist. He loved helping children learn to think and use their minds. After retirement, Alan continued to teach two of his own grandchildren through their elementary years. He also farmed with his brother. He discovered woodworking and used his analytic and creative talents to craft beautiful furniture and decorative pieces. He enjoyed gifting these pieces to friends and family. He belonged to the Missouri Teacher Association during his teaching years and was a proud, dedicated supporter of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Alan married the love of his life, Mavis Leslie Sizemore on January 20, 1984, in Waynesville, Missouri. Alan and” Leslie” loved one another deeply sharing over thirty-eight years together before Alan’s passing. God blessed their home and lives with four beautiful children, Anda, Alexis, Asa, and James-Alan Holt. On the evening of Thursday, May 5, 2022, while at his home in Richland, and with his family by his side, Alan, having attained the age of seventy-five, entered into his heavenly home, greeted by his loved ones, Alan’s parents Raymond Leon Powers and Doris Elaine (Browning) Powers, one brother, Gary Ray Powers (1970), one infant sister, Julia Ann Powers, and his beloved son, James-Alan Holt Powers (2001). Alan is survived by his wife, Leslie of the home; his children: Anda VanKirk (Matthew) of Vicenza, Italy, Alexis Roam (John) of Richland, MO, Asa Lucian Powers of Lebanon, MO, 4 grandchildren: Reese Roam of Richland, MO, Jacob Roam of Richland, MO, Destiny Carrol of Rolla, MO, and Brett Ziger of Rolla, MO; one brother, Jay Powers of Richland, MO, one sister, Judy Ashworth of Lebanon, MO; nieces and nephews, Todd Powers, Cary Powers, Lori Powers, David Powers, Kevin Ware, Danny Ware, Wendy Ashworth and Mark Ashworth; a host of other relatives and friends. When Alan was diagnosed with cancer, he did not let it define him. He believed it was part of his journey and faced it with courage and optimism. His legacy will live on in the lives of those he loved. Services were held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 11, 2022, in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Alan and Leslie’s long time, dear friends, Lisa Schwandt officiating the service, and Bud Newcomb reading a poem, “The Train”, and also sharing his touching memories of his dear friend, Alan. Favorite recorded music selections were played, two being, “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and “Rose Colored Glasses” during the service. Escorts were Jay Powers, Eirc Bonett, Chris Black, John Roam, Jacob Roam, and John Schwandt. Burial with military honors followed in the Oaklawn Cemetery of Richland. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Alan Powers to Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and may be mailed directly to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10306, or may be left at the Memorial Chapel of Richland funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.memorialchapelsandcrematory.com