Address
Locke on 4th
1519 W 4th St.
Waterloo, IA 50702
David Elmo Powell, 85, of La Porte City, died Saturday, February 28, 2026, at his home under Cedar Valley Hospice Care. He was born June 24, 1940, in Waterloo, son of Elmo and Ruby Powell. He graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1958.
David married Sharon Barman on June 16, 1962, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Evansdale. She preceded him in death on April 18, 2014.
Following high school David worked for John Deere, retiring after 34 years on April 30, 1993, as an Advanced Engineering Specialist. David enjoyed bowling in his younger years, and fishing with Sharon, especially at their cabin on the Mississippi. He also enjoyed watching sports, his grandchildren’s games, and college basketball, always hoping to see one more game starring Caitlyn Clark.
David is survived by his sons: Dave (Lori) Powell of rural Mt Auburn, Dan (Virginia) Powell of Andrew, Duane (Lesa) Powell of La Porte City, Derek (Carrie) Powell of Center Point, and Dana Powell of La Porte City; nine grandchildren: Dallas, Damon, Darian, Dylyn, Dayton, Daelyn, Dacey, Dominick and Duncan, and three great-grandchildren: Patrick, Campbell, and Kemper.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon, granddaughter Ashley Powell, and sister Karen Persson.
Family will receive friends from 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Locke in La Porte City, 606 E. Main St., La Porte City, Iowa. There will be a private graveside service at West View Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice.
Locke in La Porte City is assisting the family, 319-342-3131.
Visitation
March 4, 2026
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Locke in La Porte City
606 East Main St., La Porte City, IA
Dave had no enemies, no arrogance and success never changed him, no expensive cars, no bigger nicer home, no expensive vacations just the same old Dave. Dave had his priorities in order and if you knew him at all no need to ask what they are or were. He told me no way was he going to let anyone take care of his dying wife, no not going to happen as long as he was physically capable he was going to do it and without any reward, this was an unselfish act of love not duty. He often told me that him and Shanon went to every game or sporting event they could no good reason to miss watching his 5 boys wrestle or later his grandkids participate in whatever the sport was, he was so proud of all of them. The reward for this their support became very evident as I went to visit Dave numerous times in the last 4 months of his life hardly ever did I find him alone and as the end came closer the house was filled with family and friends, this 85 year old man was not going to die alone, no way, he was there for them and they in return were there for him. Dave and I were soul mates we seen life very much in the same way valuing friendship and treating others with respect all the while never taking ourselves or life to serious and finding a bit of humor no matter what the situation happened to be. I was amazed at how alert and how clear Dave’s memory remind right up to within hours of his passing, him listening as the kids and I talked and every now and then Dave would chime in correcting our failed memories. I lost more than a friend I lost a soulmate in Dave.
David was the best, brother-in-law, husband to my dear sister Sharon, and friend to me. I will miss him
.
Didn’t know him, but remarks by Gene and Gail above say a lot! Sorry for your loss….must have been a great fellow.