Richard Ray Powell, 77, of Washington, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 24th, 2025, at the Washington County Hospital surrounded by his family.
A rosary service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 30, 2026, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Washington with a funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. Father David Metz will officiate. Burial will be at the Washington City Cemetery.
Richard was born May 15, 1948, in Beloit, Kansas, to Richard Ray and Dolores Helen (Pahls) Powell. He graduated from St. John’s Catholic School in Beloit and attended Hutchinson Community College for secondary education.
On October 21, 1995, Richard married Denise Ouellette. He has three children, Thaddeus Powell, Amanda Powell, and Taylor Miller.
Richard was part-owner of V&S Variety Store in Syracuse, Kansas. He later joined Don and Betty Kastl in the insurance business eventually buying the business, Kastl-Powell Insurance Agency, Inc. of Washington, Kansas. In 2012, he sold his business and began enjoying his retirement.
He took great pride not only in his own yard but also in sharing his expertise with others. He spent countless hours cultivating the grass, tending his garden, and maintaining the landscape that created a welcoming home for his cherished birds and squirrels. He found joy in working outdoors and took satisfaction in keeping everything just as it should be. Over the years, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, a round of golf, and always finding happiness in time spent outdoors or with friends and family. He was often found in the ranger, with his devoted dogs by his side. In later years, he enjoyed raising cows alongside his son-in-law, often bringing his grandchildren along to check on the herd, feed the cows, and help work calves — moments that became cherished memories for them all.
He rarely missed a NASCAR race on television—listening closely to the pit crews at work. Some of his favorite memories were attending races with his son, Thad, whether it be NASCAR or dirt track racing. A passion he passed down to his grandson, Kalen.
He was deeply committed to serving his community, volunteering his time with the Washington Fire Department, Storm Watchers, Washington Rotary, the Knights of Columbus, USD 222 School Board and the Washington Tree Board. It felt fitting that one of the heaviest snowfalls this season came around his passing, as he had always been one of the first volunteers to clear sidewalks and parking lots around town with his beloved John Deere. He believed wholeheartedly in giving back and took great pride in helping make his community a better place, a value he proudly instilled in his children.
Above all else, his greatest joy were his grandchildren — Peyton, Kalen, Tayt, and Baby Miller, who will arrive soon and already held a special place in his heart. He also quickly fell in love with his first great-granddaughter, Remi.
His legacy of service, love for family, and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures will live on in all who knew him.
Preceding him in death were his parents.
Survivors include his loving wife, Denise; children, Thaddeus Powell of Washington, Amanda Powell of Dallas, Texas, and Taylor (Jake) Miller of Washington; grandchildren, Peyton (Chad) DeBarge of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and Kalen and Taytum Miller of Washington; and great-granddaughter, Remi DeBarge of Lake Charles, Louisiana. He is also survived by his brothers, Larry (Mary Lynn) Powell of McPherson, and David (Charlotte) Powell of Hutchinson; sisters, Darlene (Dennis) Brillinger and Angie Powell-Graham, both of Kingsland, Georgia; numerous extended family members; and his beloved dogs, Willis and Murphy.
In lieu of flowers, a Richard Powell Memorial Fund is established with proceeds dedicated to the Washington Community and St. Augustine Catholic Church. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home.
