Richard "Dick" Francis Powell

Monday, December 5, 2016

April 7, 1920 - Dec. 3, 2016

McCOOK, Neb. -- Richard "Dick" Francis Powell, age 96, of McCook, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook.

Dick was born April 7, 1920, in Indianola, Neb., to parents, Francis F. and Dorothy (Collins) Powell. Dick was one of four children growing up in Indianola, where he graduated from Indianola High School with the Class of 1937. Dick furthered his education at McCook Community College, McCook.

Dick married the love of his life, Margaret H. Hanna, on July 22, 1966, in North Platte, Neb. The couple made their home in McCook. Throughout the years, Dick worked for Burlington Northern Railroad for 38 years as both a fireman and engineer.

Dick was an army captain during World War II, serving as an anti-aircraft weapons unit commander. He served his country proudly before being honorably discharged as an army captain in 1945.

Upon his return to McCook, Dick resumed work for Burlington Northern, retiring as an engineer in 1977. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers No. 623, American Legion Post 203, Disabled American Veterans, Masonic Grand Lodge No. 228 and Tehama Shrine.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Margaret Powell; daughter, April Patchim; brother, Roger Powell; and two sisters, Shirley Skirvin and Barbara Wilson.

Dick is survived by his son, Donald (Jeanne) Powell of Greeley, Colo.; his son-in-law, Steven Patchim of Virginia Beach, Va.; brother-in-law, Robert (Joan) Hanna of Allen, Texas; as well as four grandchildren, nine great- grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, McCook.

Funeral services will follow visitation, beginning at 2 p.m., also at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, with Pastor Terry McCorkle officiating.

Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, McCook.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guestbook for the Powell family.