L. Burnette "Buzz" Powell, 93, of rural Rawson, died at 1:36 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011, at the Bridge Hospice Care Center, Findlay. He was born on Oct. 3, 1917, to the late Verne and Stella (Clymer) Powell in Benton Ridge.

He graduated from Mt. Cory High School in 1935. He married Mildred Maurine Hall on August 24, 1940, in Gilboa, and she survives. They were married for 70 years and 11months.

Mr. Powell is also survived by two daughters: Ann (Gary) Stewart of rural Rawson and Judy (Mark) Shick of rural Rawson; five grandchildren: Amy (Kirk) Baker of Chicago, Ill., Stephanie (Brent) Price of rural Rawson, Greg (Holly) Stewart of Columbus, Robyn (Brian) Wilson of Reynoldsburg, and Elizabeth (Travis) Sands of Florence, Ky.; and 11 great-grandchildren: Cameron and Zachary Baker of Chicago, IL, Aubrey, Marah, and Ava Price of rural Rawson, Caleb, Clara, and Carson Stewart of Columbus, Aden Wilson of Reynoldsburg, and Colton and Will Sands of Florence, Ky.

Mr. Powll was preceded in death by brothers: Norwood Dean and
Robert Dale Powell and one grandchild: Beth Renee Stewart. He is survivedby his sister, Nora Mae Vint.

Mr. Powell was a dairy and grain farmer in rural Rawson, and was also a board member of NWCSA (Northwest Ohio Milk Cooperative) of Toledo. He enjoyed the fellowship of the Rawson Community Band as a trombonist.

He was president, manager, and member of the board of directors of the Benton Ridge Telephone Company from 1955-1993, president of the Northwest Ohio Telephone Association, president of the Ohio Independent Telephone Company from 1975-1976, member of the board of directors of the Ohio Telephone Association from 1974-1986, former director of the board at First National Bank of Pandora, and member of the board of directors of Liberty Savings and Loan in Wilmington.

Mr. Powell was a life time member of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Benton Ridge, where he sang in the choir and served in many capacities.

Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug.
10, 2011, at Coldren-Crates Funeral Home, Findlay. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011, at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, Benton Ridge with visitation one hour prior to the service from 10-11:00 a.m. Pastor Brandon Kelly will officiate and burial will follow in Benton Ridge Cemetery, Benton Ridge.

Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd United Methodist Church and/or to Bridge Home Health and Hospice. Online condolences may be made via www.coldrencrates.com.