John Powell
November 08, 1948 — October 07, 2025
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Service Details
John Powell, 76, of Des Moines, passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at MercyOne Hospital surrounded by his family.
He was born November 8, 1948 in Ames, Iowa, to Jack and Darlene Powell. John graduated from Ames High School and went on to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Iowa State University. Following college, John proudly served his country as a medic in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. After returning home, he dedicated 35 years to helping fellow veterans as a Federal Veterans Affairs benefits officer.
John had many passions. He started bowling with his wife in mixed doubles, and spent much of his life in different leagues around Des Moines. He enjoyed golfing and watching sports, especially the Denver Broncos, San Francisco Giants, and Iowa State teams. His major passion was gardening, vegetables and especially flowers.
John was preceded in death by his parents; and his loving wife, Judy Kathleen Powell.
He is survived by his children, Jackie Powell and Jeff Powell; grandchildren, Cody Lenz, Justin (Sabrina) Lehman, and Brandon (Daphne) Lehman; great-grandchildren, Edwin, Braxton, Phoebe, Paislee, Xander, and Ezekiel; siblings, Peggy Drain, Paula (Hugh) Collins, Bob (Kim) Powell; and a host of family and friends.
The family will be greeting friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on November 2, 2025, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home; 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. The funeral service will be held on November 3, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home followed by burial at Glendale Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Lena Pierce
10/30/2025
John was an amazing person, a great father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was an amazing cook as well, loved having dinner with Jackie at her house, with John cooking up steaks and baked potatoes.
I also had the pleasure of watching him bowl on his league, he was a great bowler too! Will miss seeing him on the lanes on Thursday nights.
Prayers to all the family. May John rest in peace ❤️
MICHAEL LAW
10/24/2025
John was always a pleasure to be around. Im friends with his son, Jeff, and Ive known John for over 40yrs. He will be greatly missed.
John Struchen
10/21/2025
John and I were gardening partners early in our VA Regional Office careers. I had the Troy built tiller and John the garden plot. And the sweet corn did grow!
So sorry to hear of his passing.
Bob Milroy
10/14/2025
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of my dear friend John. We go all the way back to 1972 when he was in grad school at ISU and I was in my first year at ISU but academically a junior. I have so many stories that I could tell but I'll keep it short. I'd travel to Ames from Illinois after I graduated and go to Cyclone football games with John. John and Judy were so gracious and so much fun. I stayed with them on those game weekends many times in Ames. John was, as all Cyclone fans would say, Clone to the Bone. Even after he moved to Des Moines we stayed in touch. I took him with me to see ISU Women's Senior Night in March and I am so happy that we shared that day and night together. John had a great sense of humor and never got angry. I will miss him terribly. May he rest in peace!
Bill "Shaky" Hitsman
10/14/2025
Spent my entire VA Regional Office career working with John. We golfed frequently, and talked about bowling. Gave my bowling ball to Jeff when I had to stop. Deepest condolences to all.
Susie Thompson-Borchert
10/14/2025
John was a wonderful Guy. He worked with my late husband for many years. He gave your Mothers piano to Jeff after she passed away. He then taught himself to play it. Prayers and condolences to his Family.
Susie Thompson-Borchert