TOPEKA, Kan. — William Dean Powell, 87, of Topeka, Kansas passed away peacefully on July 6, 2021. 

Bill was born on Aug. 25, 1933. The son of the late Howard and the late Esther “Trompeter” Powell in Marshall County, Illinois. He graduated from Sparland High School and later enlisted in the Army. 

After serving his country, he returned to Illinois to attend Bradley University. Upon graduation, he started his career with Del Monte Foods and later became the Plant Manager in Pauline, Kansas where he retired in March 1989. 

Bill was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed watching the St Louis Cardinals, Notre Dame Fighting Irish and, of course, the University of Kansas.

He coached basketball, baseball and softball. Through years of coaching, he developed many friendships along the way. Bill is the beloved husband to L. Elaine Powell, loving father to Maureen “Reenie”(Keith) Olson, stepfather to Michelle and Michael Taylor and a dear grandfather to Drew and Peyton Olson.

He was a fond brother to the late Ellen McCully and the late Howard Powell. Bill was a dear uncle to many. 

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, July 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Lake Shawnee Shelter House #2, 3410 SE Leisure Lane, Topeka, Kansas 66605.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Midland Hospice Care at 120 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, Kansas, 66606.

Arrangements by Brian Powell Funeral Directors of Hinsdale. For information call 630-703-9131 or www.powellfuneraldirectors.com.