Jack Powers

Jack Wesley Powers of Brevard, North Carolina, passed away October 28, 2022, on his ninety-third birthday at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

Born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, he was the son of the late Winnifred Kunderd and Dorsey Byrl Powers.  He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ruth Ollhoff Powers; sons Tod William Powers and (spouse Kim Brown Powers) of Delaware, Ohio; David Edward Powers and (spouse Nancy Rice Powers) of Six Mile, South Carolina; daughters Laura Jane Kidd and (partner David Rhein) of Whitehall, Pennsylvania and Alicia Alexander of Plano, Texas. He also had ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. His sister, Nancy Sue, preceded him in death.

Jack graduated from North Side High School in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and was a member of the National Honor Society.  He earned a Ph.D. degree in chemistry from Purdue University in 1957 and was elected to Sigma Xi and Phi Lambda Upsilon honorary fraternities. In addition, he was a member of Pi Kappa Phi social fraternity.

Jack was Master Councilor of the Ft. Wayne Order of DeMolay and was awarded the Chevalier Degree.  He was an Eagle Scout and served as Scoutmaster for Troup 40 In Ripon, Wisconsin.

He taught at Ripon College in Wisconsin and completed post-graduate work at the University of Utah and at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado.  He later joined the foundation Research Corporation, first as grants officer and then as Vice President for Program Support in the corporate office in New Tour City.  Subsequently, Jack served as Vice President for Development at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York and at Davidson and St. Andrews Presbyterian Colleges in North Carolina.  Prior to retirement, he joined with his wife Ruth to form the consulting firm Jack Powers and Associates.

Throughout his adult life he was active in arts and historical societies including The Transylvania Historical Society and its Allison-Deavor house.  He especially enjoyed leading “Behind the Scenes Tours of Downtown Brevard.” He was a golfer, loved to camp and fish. He was also an active watercolor and pencil painter and enjoyed teaching a watercolor class at College Walk.  He was a Lay Leader in the Ripon, Wisconsin Methodist Church and taught Sunday School classes in churches wherever he was living.

Internment will be in the family plot at The Odd Fellows Cemetery in New Haven, Indiana.

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Moore- Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is honored to be caring for the family.