Lowell Rodney "Rod" Powell

Lowell Rodney “Rod” Powell, 78, of Middletown, passed away at his residence on Friday, March 20, 2026, following an extended illness. Rod was born on January 17, 1948, in Richmond, Indiana, to the late Lowell Thomas and Violet June (Davis) Powell.

Rod retired from Guide Lamp after 30 years of dedicated service, having begun his career in 1967 and retiring at the age of 48. He proudly served his country in the United States Army.

A quiet and content man, Rod found great joy in the simple things in life. He had a deep love for woodworking and leathercraft, often creating billfolds, purses, and belts for himself and family members. He was an avid stamp collector and had a strong interest in genealogy. Rod was a member of the NRA and was passionate about gun rights. He also belonged to the Madison County Civil War Round Table.

Rod enjoyed spending time at home, where he loved mowing the lawn, vegetable gardening alongside his wife, Cathy, and planting trees. He cherished camping trips, especially sitting around the campfire. He was fond of his dog, Pepper, and his cat, Maggie. Rod enjoyed watching westerns, was a devoted fan of John Wayne, and had a particular interest in documentaries, especially those about sawmilling. He also appreciated a good truck and a drive.

Rod was a 1966 graduate of Highland High School in Anderson and was a longtime member of Middletown Nazarene Church, where he was saved in 2001.

Rod is survived by his wife of 58 years. Cathy Powell of Middletown; daughters, Angie (Tim) Marcum of Wilkinson and Wendi Evans of Middletown; grandchildren, Zachary and Megan (Bruce) Marcum both of Wilkinson, Daleanna and Cody (Lily) Evans both of Muncie; great grandchildren, Noryeon, Nolan, Nehemiah and Navari Jackson all of Muncie, Amirah and Abbygail Evans of Muncie; siblings, Melanie (Dick) McCabe of FL, Wade (Jo) Powell of FL and Clay (Debra) Powell of MI; special friend, Bentley Cole of Middletown; bonus daughter, Pam Lane of Middletown; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Rod was preceded in death by a special uncle, Howard Davis.

Services will be held at 2:00pm Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at the Middletown Church of the Nazarene with Phil Rogers officiating. Burial will follow in Mechanicsburg Cemetery with military honors provided by the Middletown American Legion. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00pm Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Middletown Church of the Nazarene in Rod’s memory. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard and Sons Funeral Home in Middletown. You may express condolences or share memories of Rod at www.ballardandsons.com.