Donald Dewane Powell

Donald Dewane Powell, 81, of Des Moines, passed away on May 5, 2024, following a recent battle with cancer.

Don was born on September 18, 1942, to Earl and Daisy (Berry) Powell in Casey, Iowa. His family later moved to Des Moines where he graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in 1960. On January 2, 1961, Don was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Betty” Henderson, and they were blessed with two daughters. Don and Betty later separated. On June 12, 1982, Don was united in marriage to Barbara (Criswell) Tyler. Barb brought with her two children from a prior marriage, and Don helped to raise them as his own. Don and Barb later separated. In 1996, Don met and began dating Sally Heidt, and they were each other’s life companion for more than 25 years until his death.

During high school, Don worked as a bicycle telegram delivery boy. Following his graduation from high school, he worked for Londons Burger House and then Bookey Packing Company for several years. During this time, Don also did miscellaneous carpentry projects on the side. He then began his full-time career in carpentry and construction, working for Allied Construction, Stephen R. Grubb Construction, and then finally Hansen Company, where he worked for many years before retiring in 2007.

Don’s hobbies included carpentry, gardening, fishing, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. He loved spending time with family and particularly adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Don was always there to lend a helping hand, especially when it came to carpentry and construction. His friends and family will always remember his ornery grin and jokester personality.

Don is survived by his daughters Tammie (Dana) Lacquement of Norwalk and Dawn (Mike) Cooley of Orient; his grandchildren Michael (Crystal) Cooley and their children Norah & Emma of Carter Lake, Dawna (Heath) Mitchell and their children Hallea & Casen of Corning, Patrick Cooley of Orient, and Mark Cooley of Orient; his life companion Sally Heidt of Des Moines and her daughter Heidi (Steve) Peters of Scottsdale, Arizona; his former spouse Betty Powell of Creston; his former spouse Barb Cox of Des Moines; his stepchildren Jennifer (Shane) Theis of Des Moines and John (Amanda) Tyler of Des Moines; his niece Donna Rock of Johnston; other family; and many friends, including special namesake newborn Oakley Powell Faber.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Daisy Powell; his sisters Mildred Rock, Dorothy Madison, and Nellie Powell; niece Deborah Schroeder; and nephew John Madison.

Celebration of Life Gathering will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society in memory of Don.

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