Wesley Powell

Funeral Service: Monday, August 23, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus

Wesley Powell, age 82, of Broadus passed away on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at the Pioneer Manor in Gillette, WY.

Wesley Powell, the son of Lisle and Anna (Anderson) Powell, was born on December 21, 1927, in Broadus, MT. He grew up around the Broadus area, working on his fathers ranch, and attended school at the Bergeson Country School located near Ranch Creek. He graduated from Powder River High School in 1945. After high school, he went to Montana State College for a short time before moving back to the family ranch. Shortly after moving back, Wesley met Lois Bartholomew and after dating for about a year they got married on September 16, 1949 in Miles City, MT. To this union they had two children; Stanley and Terry. After they were married, Wesley and Lois moved out to the ranch where they lived in a little trailer house for several months before they were able to build a new home. He enjoyed working on the ranch, but in the late 1960s, when the opportunity came, Wesley took a job with the oil field and was a contract pumper for one of the first oil wells in the area. He continued to work on the ranch and in the oil fields until he retired after thirty years in the oil field. After retiring he took on many odd jobs, one being a cattle hauling business that he would do for neighbors and others who needed him. Wesley was active in many different community groups including being a member and president of the Powder River County Farm Bureau, and the Commercial Club. He was also very involved in the 4-H Council, Fair Board and Toastmasters. Wesley truly enjoyed being able to spend time with his friends and family.

Wesley is survived by his wife Lois Powell; two sons, Stanley (Bonnie) Powell and Terry (Rose) Powell; one sister, Ruth Baxter; three grandchildren, Bradley Powell, Jillian Dahlgren, Ryan Powell, one step grandchild, Riley Veis and three great-grandchildren, Braelyn and Dalton Powell, and Adyson Dahlgren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Keith.

A Funeral service will be held on Monday, August 23, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Broadus is in charge of the arrangements.