William "Bill" Powers

William “Bill” Powers, a dedicated public servant, proud veteran, loving husband, father, and grandfather, and lifelong Hoosier, passed away on June 20th at the age of 95. His was a life devoted to service, enriched by deep friendships, unwavering integrity and love for his family above all else.

Born December 3, 1929, in Salem, Indiana, to Clarence and Elsie Powers, Bill was raised by his mother – a force in her own right – after his parents were divorced before his first birthday. He graduated from Salem High School in 1947 – returning 50 years later to give the Alumnae Address at graduation. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1950, serving aboard the USS Ernest G. Small, a cutting-edge radar destroyer in the Pacific near Korea, Japan, and China. He was honorably discharged in 1954 at the conclusion of the Korean War.

Following the Navy, Bill went on to graduate from Butler University in 1963, but not before meeting his wife, Susie Powers. They shared 63 extraordinary years of marriage. Bill earned his law degree from Indiana University in 1967, while working full time for the Department of Correction. He was admitted to the Indiana State Bar in 1968, proudly sworn in by his mother Elsie, then Deputy Clerk of the Indiana State Supreme and Appellate Courts.

His career began in public service and never really left it. He was appointed to three consecutive terms on the Indiana Public Service Commission from 1971 to 1982 by Governors Edgar Whitcomb and Otis Bowen. Afterward, he entered private law practice with a focus on utility regulation. He was a lobbyist for the Indiana State Legislature representing clients such as the Indianapolis Water Company and numerous rural telephone companies. He served for many years as counsel to Darby McCarty and Smithville Communications – relationships that brought him great satisfaction, meaningful friendships and pride.

Bill’s commitment to civic life extended far beyond his legal work. He was a member of the City of Indianapolis Ethics Board, President of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Horse Patrol, President of the Indianapolis Citizens Police Complaint Board, and President of the National Association of Regulatory Commissioners. He was also a proud member of the American Legion, the Hundred Club of Indianapolis and the Antelope Club. For his distinguished service to the state he loved, Bill was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash – Indiana’s highest civilian honor – not once, but four times, by Governors George Craig, Edgar Whitcomb, Otis Bowen and Robert Orr.

The Columbia Club was a second home for Bill and Susie. He served as Club President in 1982 and he and Susie were named Co-Columbians of the Year in 1998. He later moved his law office into the Club, held court regularly in the Harrison Room and was a fixture at the lunchtime euchre table in the French Room.

Bill never actually retired – so don’t feel left out that you weren’t invited to his retirement party. He kept practicing, advising, mentoring and connecting until the very end.

He was deeply devoted to his friends, many, if not all, who have predeceased him. Among the dearest were Dan Worley, Fred Garver and Don Pence, with whom he traveled the country by car during the legendary Bob Knight era of Indiana Basketball – some of the happiest times of his life.

Bill had a true love of golf, a game that brought him endless enjoyment and camaraderie. He never saw it rain on a course and was notoriously generous with “gimmies”. His love for the game doubled when he watched his grandson, Cooper, embrace the sport he held so dear. Bill was also a lifelong reader. His bookshelf was filled with Louis L’Amour “westrens”, which he read over and over.

Above all, Bill loved his family. His wife Susie was not only his partner, but greatest supporter and CEO of all things Bill Powers. He was endlessly proud of his daughter, Jerrilyn Ramsey, and even more so of her husband, Dr. John Ramsey, whom he considered a son. The true lights of his life were his two grandchildren, Margaret Calbi (Daniel) and Cooper Ramsey. He never missed a game, match, meet or milestone and his family was thrilled to have him attend Margaret and Daniel’s wedding a little over six months ago.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Cheryl Jenkins, whose love, compassion, and unwavering support for Bill and the entire family were nothing short of extraordinary. Her care and presence brought comfort during the most difficult times. Deep appreciation also goes to Jennifer Costin and Angie Harrington for their kindness and loving care for Bill and to Select Hospice for their attentive and compassionate care.

Bill is survived by his wife, Susie, daughter Jerrilyn Ramsey and her husband John, and his grandchildren, Margaret Calbi (Daniel) and Cooper Ramsey.

Visitation will be from 12:00pm – 2:00pm on Saturday, June 28th at Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel followed by a private burial at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. The family invites all to a Celebration of Life at the home of Jerri and John Ramsey beginning at 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to one of Bill’s greatest passions: the IMPD Mounted Unit through the Central Indiana Police Foundation. All financial gifts are tax deductible. Checks can be written to the Central Indiana Police Foundation, 1525 Shelby Street, Indianapolis, IN. 46203. Please place in the MEMO: IMPD Mounted in Memory of Bill Powers.

Online condolences available at www.leppertmortuary.com