John Robert Powell

John Robert Powell, 55, of Memphis, Tenn., formerly of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Saturday, July 16, 2016 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis.

John, the son of Captain Robert E. and Fay Kanell Powell, was born Oct. 26, 1960 in Poplar Bluff. He was of the Methodist faith. John was a graduate of Poplar Bluff High School where he participated in the CEO Program while working at Pruett's BBQ. During his high school years and later on in life, John enjoyed entertaining his friends and groups with magic tricks. He was the former owner of William Robert's Beauty Salon as well as the owner of Firm Foundation Beauty Salon and Spa in Poplar Bluff. He was also owner of Two by Two Pet Store in Poplar Bluff and served as an activist for animals. While serving in a pre-med program while attending Central Methodist University in Fayette, Mo., John worked as a paramedic. He later completed two years in Paris, France where he received a degree in foreign languages. John was fluent in sign language and was able to speak and write in five different languages. He was an experienced cook and scuba diver. John lived life to the fullest and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, traveling and learning.

In addition to his parents, John is survived by a brother, Lieutenant Commander Timothy Byrd Powell and his wife Nancy of Jacksonville, NC; two nieces, Victoria Alexandra Powell and Vanessa Anastasia Powell; and a nephew, Saxton Nathaniel Powell of Jacksonville, NC.

John was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ira Byrd and Lena Rivers Rice Powell and John William and Iva Walker Kanell.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will be at 9 a.m. Saturday in the funeral chapel with his brother, Lieutenant Commander Timothy B. Powell officiating and the Rev. Jim Schremp assisting. Entombment will follow in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum at the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.