Joseph E. Powers, 89, died Aug. 18, 2015, surrounded by his loving children and a special angel.

He was born on Sept. 2, 1925, to Alice and George Powers. He grew up alongside three sisters, Betty, Alice, and Mary Kay and took pride in maintaining a special relationship with each.

Dad attended schools in Butte and after graduating from Boys Central High School, attended Carroll College for one half year before heading to the recruiting office where he enlisted in the Navy during WWII.

He was stationed stateside on the USS Prometheus. Three years later he was honorably discharged, and after a brief stay at the University of Michigan returned to Carroll College where he earned his degree in biology.

He was offered a position as a bacteriologist with the state, but after seeing an ad looking for teachers in Butte he began a career in education. He attended Western Montana College where he earned his teaching credentials. Dad taught for seven years at the Sherman School while earning his master's degree from Western. Upon earning his master's, he received a four-year grant for summer study in biology through the University of Montana. Dad taught biology at East Junior High School for 11 years before serving as the principal for 13 years.

During retirement, Dad was able to spend more time in his cherished mountains hiking, hunting, and fishing with his children.

He also had a weekly outdoor adventure with "the over-the-hill gang" -- Brucey, Kohn and Klink. When he could no longer hike at 80 years old, he'd meet the gang every Tuesday morning for B&B (breakfast and bull...)!

Dad's thirst for knowledge was an ongoing endeavor. Throughout his life he gained many skills such as woodcarving, photography, calligraphy, and computing. He referred to his computer as "the wonder machine" because he always, "wondered what it would do next"! He also took great pride in his yard work.

Always the servant, Dad spent more than 40 years as a charter member of the Butte Mile High Lions. As a Lion, he held every position including International District Governor. This experience allowed him to travel extensively around the world setting up conventions.

Joe married Marlene Holland in 1956. Although the marriage did not work out, together they raised their four children, Joe, Dan, Alyssa and Judi. Dad always referred to his children as "the brothers and the twins". His devotion and love for his children were a hallmark of his life. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren added a new dimension of love.

Joe was preceded in death by two brothers, George and William, who died in infancy; his parents, Alice and George; his sister, Alice Delaney; and his beloved daughter, Judi.

He is survived by his children, Joe, Dan, Alyssa and her husband, Terry MacDonald. He had a special place in his heart for Kerrie Siragusa and Mary Ann Thom. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Brandon and Bobbi, Kori, Brian, DaLyn, Jestine, Michele, Jordan; and his three great-grandchildren, Briel, Chandler and Payton. In addition, Joe is survived by his sisters, Betty Bowden and Mary Kay Pearce; numerous nieces and nephews; Marlene Holland; and many special friends. He is also survived by his best four-legged buddy, McGruff.

Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24, at St. John's Catholic Church, with a reception to follow in Wayrynen-Richards Community Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe's name to the Paul Clark Home/McDonalds Family Place or a charity of your choice.

In the year Dad was born, 1925, Emile Coue brought self-esteem to the U.S. proclaiming, "Every day in every way I am getting better and better". Dad, every day in every way you just got better and better.

God bless you Dad and Gramps. We love and miss you.

Montana Standard 8/20/2015