AKRON, OH - The Reverend Howard D. Powell, 80, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 5, 2007.  He was born in Hillsdale, PA on January 4, 1927 to the late Carl and Alma (Barr) Powell, and was an Akron resident for most of his life. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving on the USS Iowa, and he was present for the signing of the Surrender Document.

Soon thereafter, he came to realize his most important calling, becoming a follower of Christ in 1950 at the age of 23. After several years of service at the church, he became an ordained minister at the Akron Baptist Temple in 1966 under church founder, Pastor Dr. Dallas F. Billington.  The Reverend Powell served as Associate Pastor for 40 years, and along with his wife Reba, started an ABF class in the early 1990’s. What started with a mere 10 participants, the class now has over 100 members in attendance each week. He was also an ordained Deacon Ameritus, worked with the Deaf Ministry, and had the privilege of traveling with his wife to the Holy Land in 1972.

Reverend Powell conducted an astounding 811 weddings and touched many people in their time of greatest need after the passing of a loved one. He did all this due to his unwavering love of his God, his church and of people in general. In 2004, Rev. Powell was honored with the prestigious 50-year service award at the Akron Baptist Temple, an accomplishment he took tremendous pride in. He was always there for people in their time of need, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing him.

 Preceded in death by his brother, Richard and sister, Bernice, he is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Reba; son, James H. “J.P.” (Kim) and grandson, Traviss Howard, all of Winter Haven, FL;  brother, Ralph (Carol); nieces and nephews, Mary (Kirk) MacLean, Dorothy Strain, Bruce (Patty), Debra (Michel) Halasa, Mark Carter and Tammy; sister-in-law, Bobbie Nair; brother-in-law, Raymond Pullium; and many other loving relatives and friends.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2007, at 10 a.m. at The Akron Baptist Temple, 2324 Manchester Rd., Akron, OH 44314, with members of the pastoral staff officiating. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday, June 8, from 3 – 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Akron Baptist Temple.