John Powers

ELLISVILLE, Mo. — Marion John Powers, 92, formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, at the home of his daughter in Ellisville.

John was born Jan. 24, 1930, in Dunklin County, Missouri, in the McGuire community to True Victor and Wilma Gladys Bryant Powers.

The family moved to the community of rural Jericho, Missouri, where he attended school from first through third grades. He later attended schools at Risco, Rock Point and Advance, Missouri.

After graduating from Advance High School, he worked through the summer on the family farm. In September 1947, John acquired a job with the Alton Box Board Co. in Alton, Illinois. He later attended one quarter of a semester at Southeast Missouri State University.

John joined the U.S. Navy in September 1948. He was discharged in September 1949 and remained in the Naval Reserve.

In October 1949, he acquired a job with Bennet's Hatchery in Bloomfield, Missouri. In the fall of 1950, John returned to employment at Alton Box Board Co.

He married Myrna Rae Glenn on Sept. 29, 1951, and they resided in Rosewood Heights, Illinois.

He was recalled to the Navy during the Korean War. When he was discharged from the Navy after the war, he returned to Rosewood Heights. While employed at Alton Box Board Co., John was a member of Alton Paperworkers Union and served 11 years as representative, secretary, treasurer and vice president.

On April 18, 1968, while residing in Godfrey, Illinois, his daughter, Adrienne, was born. John said Adrienne was the greatest gift that God had given him.

After 19 years with the Alton Box Board Co., John and Myrna applied for a dealership with Standard Oil of Indiana. They were awarded an Amoco Station on Route K and Interstate 55 in Cape Girardeau. They retired in 1995 after 25 years in business.

John was active in American Legion, Louis K. Juden Post No. 63 in Cape Girardeau and served as sergeant at arms, first vice commander and post commander. He had the privilege of volunteering at the Cape Girardeau Veterans Home and received the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2006.

For several years, John was active with St. Mark's Masonic Lodge No. 93, having progressed through all the chairs and served as Worshipful Master.

John confessed, repented and was baptized at First Christian Church in Wood River, Illinois, on Aug. 10, 1954.

Upon moving to Cape Girardeau in 1971, John became a member of First Christian Church. He also attended First General Baptist Church and was a member of Mount Auburn Christian Church for many years.

In October 2016, John and Myrna moved to Ellisville to reside with their daughter.

John is survived by his daughter, Adrienne (Vaughn) Powers of Ellisville; brothers, James C. Powers and Chester Powers of Advance and Dwight Powers of Cape Girardeau; and dear friends, Jeannie and Scott VanDeVen of Cape Girardeau.

John is also survived by many much-loved and cherished nieces and nephews on both sides of the family, as well as many sweet grand- and great-grandnieces and -nephews.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Myrna Powers; parents, True and Wilma Powers; sisters, Lenora Bess, Margie Powers and Doris Swindell; brothers, True Victor, Doyle, Roger and David Powers; two nieces; five nephews; three brothers-in-law; and six sisters-in-law.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will be at noon Tuesday, Dec. 20, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Casey Elmore officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau. Graveside military rites will be provided by Missouri Honors Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to Mount Auburn Christian Church, 930 N. Mount Auburn Road, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, or American Legion Post 63, 2731 Thomas Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.