Roger L. Powell July 9, 1927 October 11, 2015Roger L. Powell passed away peacefully at the home of his son Willis E. (Bill) Powell and daughter-in-law, Michelle Powell surrounded by Roger's children on Sunday, October 11, 2015 at 10:55 AM.Roger was born in Columbus, Ohio to Willis E. and Anna Christina Powell. He attended Ohio State University before his induction into the army. He was a member of the 101st Officer Candidate Class at Fort Belvior, Virginia. After a leave into town, Beatrice LaRock, who held a stenographic position in the supply office, saved Roger a seat on the bus. That's all it took, and soon after they married and resided at Fort Belvior. After WWII, Roger was released from the Army Corp of Engineers, and from the Philippine's he was dropped off in Southern California. He immediately called Bea and said, "California's the place to be". They left their home in Virginia and started driving to California, but a major dilemma arose: Roger and Bea ran out of gas and money in Reno, Nevada and never left. Roger continued his military service through the army reserves where after 20 years he retired at the rank of Major. They had 4 children, and Bea passed away in 1971. For six decades, Roger owned Powell Cabinet and Fixture Company along with his son, Bill Powell. It was the company that the hotel casino industry called on for quality architectural millwork.
Roger is survived by his wife, Leslie Powell. He is also survived by his children Willis E. (Bill) Powell (Michelle), grandson Nicholas E. Powell, and granddaughter Jenvieve L. Bjornstad (David); daughters Pamela Powell Ross (Charlie); Gena Powell Ordway (Phil) and grandson Roger Trimble; and Peggy Powell Dibblee (Paul) and granddaughter Pamela Lenker Vlach and grandson Lee Lenker. He had four great grandchildren. Also his sisters Gail Williams, Nancy Jarvis (David), and Laurene Cox (David). His wife Leslie's children Suzanne Ballard (Russ), Kimron Webb, Lauree Whitelaw (Bruce), and Maree Debard (Martin). Roger was one of the founders of the Boys & Girls Club in Reno. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, to please make donations to the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows in memory of Roger L. Powell. A memorial will be held on Friday, October 16, 2015 at Ross, Burke and Knobel Mortuary, 2155 Kietzke Lane, Reno, NV at 10:00 am.