Services for John Powell, 87, of Athens, formerly of Canton, were held Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, at Eubank Funeral Home in Canton with Pastor Mike Roberson officiating. Interment was in Haven of Memories.

Mr. Powell passed away Feb. 7, 2022, in Tyler. He was born Dec. 3, 1934, in Dallas to Clarence Oliver and Minnie Alace Kincer Powell.

John was a member of First Baptist Church in Canton, Texas, for 50 years where he served as a deacon, Sunday school director, Sunday school superintendent, chairman of the ushers as well as on various committees. He retired from Texas Instruments after a 38-year career. He also served on the board of directors for the Federal Land Bank, now the Legacy Ag Credit, in Canton and was the chairman of the board for several years. John enjoyed playing golf and after he was unable to play, he still enjoyed following the PGA Tour on television. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports and tried his hand at raising Hereford cows and cantaloupes.

He was a great husband, always putting the love of his life, Mary Lou, first after his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a wonderful grandfather and loved his church, but most of all, he loved God with all his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Minnie Powell and sister, Mildred Rogers.

John is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mary Lou Powell of Athens, formerly of Canton; daughters, Ginger Lambright and Randy of Athens and Kelli Harris and Ken of Sumner; five grandchildren, Jana Connerley and JD, Josh Lambright, Jon Burns and Donica, Jenny Conditt and Charlie and Taylor Harris and Chloe; seven great-grandchildren and a sister, Loise Wier of Grapevine.

Pallbearers were sons-in-law, Ken Harris and Randy Lambright; grandsons, Josh Lambright, Jon Burns, Taylor Harris and Charlie Conditt; and close friend, Joe Bob Wycough and Bruce Gnade. Honorary pallbearers were John’s dear friend, Fred Hudson.