Powell, Elzo James

Elzo James Powell, 90, formerly of Coggon, died Tuesday, July 6, 2010, at Summit Pointe Assisted Living in Marion. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 10, at Murdoch Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Marion, by Chaplain Donnita Payne-Hostetler of Hospice Compassus. Family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial: Troy Mills Cemetery, with military honors by American Legion Post 712 of Troy Mills.

Survivors include his son, Ben (Pat) Powell of Blandinsville, Ill.; daughter, Deanna (Doug) Fay of Mesa, Ariz.; five grandchildren, Brian, Jeff and C.J. Fay, Brett Powell and Brianne Mahoney; 10 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Helen Kelso of Cedar Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Iola; his parents; four brothers, Arthur, Leo Delmar, Wilbur and Harlen Powell; three sisters, Eleanor Foushee, Vera Fuessley McGuire and Eva Blin; a grandson, John Douglas Fay; and a very special nephew, Kenneth Fuessley.

Elzo was born Feb. 11, 1920, in Walker, to James and Josephine (Dudley) Powell. He graduated from Troy Mills High School and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Elzo was married to Iola Falconer on May 8, 1943, in Cedar Rapids. After 66 years of marriage, Iola passed away on April 3, 2010. Elzo was a lifelong farmer, and had worked for many years at Collins Radio.

He will be remembered for his knowledge of cattle and for his unique ability to choose champion steers and finish them for show. Elzo attended First United Methodist Church in Marion and had formerly attended Silver Creek and Coggon Methodist churches. He was a wonderful caregiver to his wife and family, was dearly loved, and will be greatly missed.

The family kindly requests instead of flowers, donations may be made to a memorial fund to be established in Elzo's memory.

Please sign the online guest book for Elzo at  under obituaries.