Obituaries

May 28, 1938 to March 18, 2024

WINAMAC - Robert “Bob” Powers, 85, a lifelong farmer from Winamac, passed away peacefully Monday, March 18, at his home from natural causes.

He was born May 28, 1938 in Winamac to the late Albert and Hazel [Zellers] Powers. He graduated from Winamac High School in 1956. On May 31, 1958, he married Beverly “Bev” Ludwig at St. Peter Catholic Church in Winamac. She passed away in 2010.

Bob Powers

He is survived by:
Valerie Powers, Winamac, Daughter
Kathryn Rodela, Osceola, Daughter
Scott Powers, Winamac, Son
Grandchildren: Rebecca (husband Charles Min) Rausch, David Rausch, Ryan Rodela, Andrew Rodela, Melissa (Brandon) Hickle, SaDonna (Kenny) Mayer, Tonya (Keegan) Kasten, and Rose (Evan) Criswell.
13 Great-Grandchildren (courtesy of Scott’s daughters)
Ronald Powers, Brother
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Thelma Powers, Sister
Dorothy Watnes, Sister
James Powers, Brother
Lucile Allen Gast, Sister
Richard Powers, Brother
Thomas Powers, Brother
Carol Powers, Infant Brother
Lois Cors Meyer, Sister
Harry Powers, Brother

Mr. Powers was a devoted member of St. Peter Catholic Church and the Winamac Knights of Columbus Council #1561 (he served as Grand Knight in 1979). He was instrumental in securing the property where the current KoC Hall stands today. He was also a member and past president of the Winamac Jaycees. Under his leadership, the Jaycees paid off the financial commitment for the Winamac Town Pool. In 1964-65, the Jaycees began dressing as Santa’s helpers and delivering presents to underprivileged children. This program would become known as Toys for Tots. He was a longtime member of Winamac Lion’s Club and for six years; he donated potatoes for use at the Farmer’s Market. He was incredibly supportive of his children’s involvement in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts with such projects as selling Christmas trees and glass recycling. He was supportive of his son’s time in the Winamac Community HS Band. Bob and his wife helped start the Winamac Alumni Association where he served in every office before becoming president in 2006. He served many years on the Pulaski Memorial Hospital board of directors, Tribal Trails Girl Scout Council and the Merit Board of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department.

Mr. Powers loved farming and driving trucks. He was very proud that the family farm was recognized as a Hoosier Homestead and has been in the Powers family since 1898. He enjoyed mowing and keeping an eye on the cemetery. He was an avid coin collector and enjoyed sharing them with others. He won a heat race at Shadyhill in 1986. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed visiting with people. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, March 22, at Frain Mortuary in Winama. A scriptural wake service will follow at 7 P.m. (Friday}, at the funeral home with Rev. Leroy Kinnaman officiating. A funeral mass will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 23, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Winamac, with Rev. Kinnaman officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter Cemetery in Winamac.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Peter Cemetery or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.