Gene R. Powless

Gene R. Powless, age 86, of Toledo, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at Ebeid Hospice Residence, Sylvania. He was born on March 25, 1928 to James and Mable (Wolcott) Powless in Toledo. Gene married Madora "Maddie" Waite on February 3, 1946. Throughout their 68 years of marriage their love only grew stronger. They lived in The Manor of Perrysburg for the past two and a half years.

Gene was a Mohawk Indian. He was a lifelong member of Ironworkers Local 55, retiring in 1986. Gene worked on many buildings and bridges in the area such as the Government Center, O I Building and the Highlevel Bridge. He enjoyed watching sports, especially the Detroit Tigers. Gene spent his last evening watching the Tigers beat the Tampa Bay Rays in eleven innings with his family by his side. He was a self-taught trumpet player. He and Maddie played in the Maumee Community Band and the Manatee County Community Band. Gene was a longtime member of the Zenobia Shrine.

Gene was an avid fisherman. He went fishing almost every day with his friend, Gene Munchel in Bradenton, Florida during the winter. He spent many days fishing for perch in Lake Erie. Whether at home, at Wamplers Lake or at the pool, he loved spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Harry and Tom Powless. Gene is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Madora "Maddie"; children, Jon (Marie) and Sally; grandchildren, Heather (Jim) Stover and Sean Powless; great-grandchildren, Stephanie (Jeff) Shifflett, Ryan and Kyle Stover; 2 great-great-grandsons, Jacob and Christopher Shifflett.

The family will receive guests on Sunday from 2 – 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo (419-473-0300). Funeral Services will begin Monday at 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home with visitation one hour prior.

Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider The Shriner's Children's Hospital.