Gilbert Robert Powell was born the son of Ocal Powell and Leta (Rutledge) Powell on November 30, 1938, in Thayer, Missouri, and went to be with the Lord on September 21, 2015, in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 76 years.
He was united in marriage at Thayer, Missouri, on August 26, 1964, to Shirley Wright.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-one years, Shirley Powell of their home in Thayer, Missouri; two sons, Jerry Powell of Thayer, Missouri and Robert Powell and wife, Lisa of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; two grandsons, Len Powell of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas and Brandon Powell of Dadeville, Missouri; one granddaughter, Stacia Powell of Dadeville, Missouri; three sisters, Goldie Davenport and Grace Palmer, both of Thayer, Missouri and Viola Herndon and husband, Jesse of Houston, Missouri; several nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ocal and Leta Powell; and three brothers, Joe, Clarence, and Claude Powell.
Gilbert proudly served his country with the United States Merchant Marines for seven years.
He was owner & operator of Powell Trucking in Thayer, Missouri and an over-the-road truck driver for approximately fifty years. He was well known for his exceptional driving skills, accident-free record, and no speeding or traffic citations. This amazing record earned him numerous honors and awards throughout his trucking career.
Gib took great pride in his profession, and loved to teach and share his knowledge of the trucking business with others. Time spent with fellow drivers created friendships that lasted a lifetime.
Gib was an avid hunter and especially liked to hunt deer and elk in Colorado and Wyoming with his sons, Jerry and Robert.
He looked forward to family visits and spending time with his grandchildren. Papa Gib enjoyed watching Len play basketball and they shared a special bond that Len will cherish forever.
Gilbert was a Christian and a member of the Clifton Masonic Lodge No. 463 in Thayer.
He treasured his family and will be remembered as a man of integrity with a kind heart and gentle spirit. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, and a friend to all.
Funeral Services for Mr. Powell will be Friday, September 25th, 2015, at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri.
The family will receive friends on Thursday evening, September 24th, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer.
Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery at Thayer, with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
September 24, 2015 @ 1:12 pm
Shirley,
I am praying for you family and mine. I loved Gib too and I am glad he was able to spend so many years happily with my once-best friend.
September 24, 2015 @ 11:43 pm
Shirley and family, just so sorry about Gib. Just will not be right without him around. I know I have lost a friend and lodge brother, this is a part of life that is so hard. You all will be prayed for as time heals but you never forget. Dean