Gary Alan Powell, age 70, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 20, 2024 after a short battle with cancer.  He was surrounded by his family.

Gary was born on November 18, 1953 in Kennett, MO to Norman and Helen Powell.  The family moved to Springfield in 1966, and Gary graduated from Glendale High School in 1972.  He attended the University of Missouri, earning his bachelor's degree in 1976, and was elected Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his Juris Doctor in 1979, also at the University of Missouri, and then went on to earn an LLM in Taxation from NYU.

Gary practiced law for over 40 years in Springfield, starting his career at Farrington & Curtis, which later became Husch & Eppenberger and then Husch Blackwell, where he served as Office Managing Partner.  In 2014 he helped to establish the Springfield office of Spencer Fane, LLP where he was a partner until his passing. He was active in the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, where he was a Past President. He was also a Fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Council. He was recognized multiple times by Best Lawyers, Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers, and 417 Best Lawyers. Gary was a hard-working, trusted advisor to his many clients, always striving to provide a high level of service. He was also very civic-minded and served on numerous boards in the community. Several of those included Springfield Council of Churches Foundation (President), Missouri United Methodist Foundation (President), Salvation Army (Past President), Boys & Girls Club (Past President), Springfield Chamber Business Development Corp, Mercy Foundation, Community Foundation of the Ozarks, American Red Cross, and the Springfield Symphony. He was honored as one of Springfield Business Journal's Men of the Year in 2014. He was also a member of several clubs, including the Sunrise Rotary (Past President), the 3675 Investment Partnership, Solomon Lodge 271, Abou Ben Adhem Shriners, a former member of Hickory Hills Country Club, and an alumnus of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Gary was a life-long Methodist who was very grounded in his faith.  He was a member of King's Way UMC for over 50 years, where he served as a Navigator, former Chair of the Administrative Council, and numerous other volunteer positions.

Gary was a very social person and loved gathering with his Monday lunch group, Friday breakfast group, monthly poker group, monthly Rotary cigar group, and his Friday neighborhood cocktail group. He cultivated many friendships over the years and cherished each one. In his spare time he loved watching MU and Chiefs football, reading, bird hunting, touring historic battlefields and homes, taking annual trips to Oaklawn, collecting coins and comic books, eating Mexican Villa nachos, and spending time with his family.

As busy as Gary was with a thriving law practice and other commitments, his first priority was always his family.  He rarely missed a child's sporting event, dance competition, school function, or other important life event. He was always full of wisdom and advice, and was known for his many memorable quotes about life. Lovingly called G-Dad by his grandchildren, he was the anchor and center of gravity for his family and he leaves an unimaginable void. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Helen and Norman Powell.  He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Lisa, daughter Laura Powell, sons Brandon Powell, Wes Campbell (Lauren), and Clayton Campbell (Julianna), daughter Natalie Powell Roberts (Sheldon), grandchildren Soren, Nouvelle, Ruby, and Andrew Campbell, brother Don Powell (Susan), and nieces Lynette Powell and Erin Powell Sumter (Wade).

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at King's Way United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, with a family graveside service to follow at Hazelwood Cemetery.   No visitation is planned.  Memorial donations may be made to the King's Way Church Building Fund.