John L. Powell

John L. Powell

1936-2023

John L. Powell, “Jack,” passed away on August 17, 2023, at his home in Edmond, Oklahoma, following a brief battle with cancer. He was 87 years old. His wife Rozella, daughter Chandra, and granddaughter Poppy were by his side during his final moments.

Born on January 27, 1936, in Oklahoma City, Jack was adopted from the Oklahoma Baptist Orphan’s Home by Ethel and George Powell as an infant. He spent his childhood in southeastern Oklahoma near Idabel, and then moved to Wanette, Oklahoma, where he graduated high school in 1954. He was drafted into the United States Army and completed his basic training at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, before being honorably discharged in 1958.

In 1965, Jack joined the Oklahoma City Police Department and spent 30 years on the force as a patrol officer. He upheld the model of public service and was affectionately known as the “Mayor of Britton,” where he worked his beat. Students at John Marshall High School remember Officer Powell fondly, as he patrolled the campus to keep students safe. Former students and residents from the Old Town of Britton often shared stories and tributes on the Officer Jack Powell Facebook page. As a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Jack never missed the annual Christmas luncheon where he visited with officers and other retirees.

Jack and Rozella married on May 7, 1970, and their daughter Chandra was born in 1974.

Following his retirement in 1995, Jack could often be found riding his bike on the streets of Edmond, finding bargains at nearby garage sales, and visiting the neighbors. He loved New York Yankees baseball, OU football, and the music of Elvis Presley, along with socializing with his neighbors and friends. Jack loved classic cars and enjoyed going to car shows or working in the garage on his 1965 Ford Mustang. Looking back over his life, he said he was most proud of his time on the police force in service to the community and of his family.

Jack is survived by his wife, Rozella of Edmond, Oklahoma; daughter Chandra, son-in-law Steve, and granddaughter, Poppy, of The Village, Oklahoma; his sister, Sue Pybas of Wanette, Oklahoma; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family wishes to thank Jack’s caregivers at Mercy Hospice.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, September 23, 2023, at St. Eugene Catholic Church, 2400 West Hefner Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73120. This will be a come-and-go event from 1-3 p.m. in Ross Hall. Please join us and share your favorite memories of Jack with family and friends.

6 thoughts on “John L. Powell”

  1. Della Jones

    I am so going to miss you Jack Powell my cousin, you made me laugh so often, being ornery at family reunion about husband and his John Marshall doing. Enjoy your wings, and say hi to all that have came before you, and Elvis lol

  2. DEL FLOWERS

    I will miss our semi annual phone talks on yours and mine birthdays with all the news from the “old town” where we once lived. RIP

    1. David Riggs

      RIP WARRIOR you deserve a well earned rest. My privilege knowing and working with you !

  3. Although Jack was a part of the family for over 50 years, he and I only got close in the last few. I loved hearing all his memories from being in the Army and on the Police Force. I think he knew almost everyone and his memory was impeccable. He was very special in that he accepted people for who they were. I will greatly miss him sharing all his memories and wisdom. I am very grateful for his friendship and will cherish the memories forever. We have all lost a true gem!

  4. Mike and Shelly Nations

    I was kid when I first met Officer Jack Powell he guided me and kept me and my friends from making trouble for the better part of 15 yrs he was never angry or mad at us neighborhood kids, we always knew Officer Jack Powell was around somewhere. He will surely be missed.
    Mike Nations
    NW 80th

  5. Tommy Lee Johnson

    I first met Jack when I joined the Oklahoma City Police Department in 1973. Jack was one of the finest police officers I had the pleasure to know. That was evident by the way the citizens in Britton held him in the highest esteem. I am glad to hear that Jack enjoyed a long and satisfying retirement. His family has my deepest sympathy. May he rest in peace.
    Tommy Johnson,
    OSBI retired and Former OCPD.

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