George Edward Powell

George Edward Powell, a native Idahoan, died on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at home with family. He was born on June 18, 1927, to Birney and Hazel (Hansen) Powell in Shoshone, Idaho. Following graduation from Shoshone High School, George enlisted in the Navy. He went through basic training in San Diego and was stationed in San Diego and aboard the USS Pensacola during World War II. Over the years, he shared many stories about his experience in the Pacific and of being near Guam on Christmas Eve.

After his discharge, George took advantage of the G.I. Bill and attended the University of Idaho. While there, he joined the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity and participated in the ROTC program. After completing his degree in education, he taught and coached in Kimberly, Idaho for three years before returning to the U of I to complete a Master’s Degree in School Administration.

The next step in his life journey took him to Bellevue, Idaho, where he again taught and coached and most importantly, met the love of his life, Elsie Sievers. They were married in 1955. George dedicated 33 years to the Idaho education system as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent in the towns of Kimberly, Bellevue, Dietrich, Aberdeen and Glenns Ferry. In addition to working, George was a Mason, member of the Lion’s and Rotary Clubs and built and remodeled several homes. Throughout his life, George was an avid outdoorsman, camping, hunting and fishing with family and friends and always growing an amazing garden.

After retirement, George and Elsie began spending winters in Florence, Arizona, at Caliente Casa de Sol where George golfed, swam, played cards, hiked and spent many enjoyable hours with friends. They also enjoyed traveling, taking their fifth wheel on road trips, visiting Europe and taking multiple cruises throughout the world. In 2011 and 2013, George and Elsie took their children and grandchildren on cruises in Europe and Alaska, creating many cherished memories for all.

George and Elsie moved to Meridian, Idaho, in 1998 to be closer to family. The move allowed them to attend many athletic and school activities as well as birthday and other celebrations of their children and grandchildren. Education was very important to George and he and Elsie encouraged and supported children and grandchildren in acquiring advanced educations. His impact on each family member is significant and far-reaching.

George was preceded in death by his parents, brothers (Donald and Birney), sister (Helen Boesiger) and other family members and friends. He is survived by his wife, Elsie; children Teri Powell (Joe Howard), Tami (Kent) Smith, Tina Powell (Marc Patterson) and Tom Powell; grandchildren Brad (Brooke) Smith, Scott Smith, Jill (Dan) Moore, Kale Howard (Colette Breshears), Sarah (TJ) Page, Brian Patterson and Mitchell Patterson; and great-grandchildren Vivienne, Madalena, Juliette, Claire and Charlotte.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 on November 12, 2022, at the Meridian United Methodist Church Family Life Center at 235 East Pine Avenue, Meridian. If desired, a memorial donation can be made to the charity of your choice.