Richard Powell

Rick attended Prairie Elementary School, grew up on Somerset Drive in Prairie Village, and proudly graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School — “Go Indians!”

From an early age, Rick loved Scouting. As a boy with special needs, he was initially not welcomed into a troop, so his father, Ken, created one especially for Rick and his friends. Ken also worked at Camp Naish to help make many of the trails wheelchair accessible. Rick went on to complete the Order of the Arrow program, an accomplishment he carried with pride throughout his life.

In his early teens, Rick experienced the heartbreaking loss of his mother, Adeline. Later, Ken married Claire Powell, whom he met at Broadway United Methodist Church — the church community that would become such an important part of Rick’s life.

Rick loved sports of every kind. He bowled with his dad on the Southside Methodist League team called “The Grannys,” and he participated enthusiastically in Special Olympics basketball, soccer, and baseball. He traveled across the state for competitions and proudly wore his medals to church afterward for everyone to admire.

But if you asked Rick about his greatest athletic achievement, he’d quickly tell you about the church co-ed softball team, the “Dirt Dogs,” where he served for many years as catcher. Rick also bowled in a special needs bowling league that was known as much for laughter as competition. Whenever “YMCA” came over the intercom, everyone in the bowling alley stopped bowling and started dancing. When the music stopped it was back to bowling. One of Rick’s favorite awards — proudly displayed on his bookshelf — was a certificate for the “Happiest Team.”

He also attended summer life-skills classes at Johnson County Community College, especially enjoying animal classes and cooking with his friends.

Rick was a lifelong member of Broadway United Methodist Church, later known as Keystone United Methodist Church. Every single day, he proudly wore his Keystone nametag. He loved his church deeply, and his church family loved him right back.

Rick and his sister Sharon shared an especially close bond. They were always on the go together, attending activities, visiting friends, and enjoying life side by side.

Rick had a lifelong love for animals, especially cats and dogs. On a recent zoo trip, he became fascinated with the penguins and loudly announced, “Hey! I know you! Remember me?”

After Sharon passed away in May of 2025, Rick moved into assisted living at Kingswood. In that season, the Keystone church family truly surrounded him with love. Church members organized schedules to join Rick for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, accompanying him to the dining room and making sure he was never alone. Residents and staff at Kingswood often expressed amazement at how many people came to visit Rick.

Rick especially looked forward to four weekly traditions:

Tuesdays with Stacy: They watched The Price Is Right, Nurse Stacy helped Rick get ready for the day with a refreshing shower, and smooth shave, and they always made a trip to the “Big Dining Room” at Kingswood — because, according to Rick, “the bacon is better there!”

Wednesdays with Rachel: Rachel escorted Rick to the big dining room, where there was always room for dessert — especially chocolate ice cream.

Saturdays at Denny’s Restaurant: Rachel and Gloria took Rick to visit his beloved Denny’s family: Lyn, Torii, Vanessa, and Will. There he enjoyed his favorite breakfast: biscuits and gravy and, of course, bacon.

Sundays at Keystone: Rick faithfully attended the Upper Room Sunday School class, where he proudly announced each week, “I am back!” At the worship service, he absolutely loved the choir — especially when the organ played. From his pew, Rick enthusiastically conducted the choir with perfect rhythm and wasn’t shy about “cutting them off” with a maestro’s Gesture when he thought the song should end.

If you greeted him with “Hello, Rick” he’d quickly correct you with “Coach!” And people would ask, “What did he coach?” The answer was: everything.

Rick’s family were longtime Kansas City Chiefs season ticket holders, and Rick coached every game loudly and passionately from the sidelines. Later in life, he coached every sport imaginable right from his living room chair — football, baseball, swimming, soccer, and even international soccer matches where he somehow managed to coach convincingly in “Spanish!”

Rick brought people together. He reminded us to celebrate the simple joys of life: good bacon, chocolate ice cream, church music, sports, animals, laughter, and friendship. Through his joy, his enthusiasm, and his love for others, Rick made our lives richer, closer, and happier. And if he could, Coach Rick would probably tell us all: “Good game.”

Rick’s celebration of life will be held at Keystone United Methodist Church, 406 West 74th Street, Kansas City, MO 64114. Visitation will be on June 1, 2026 at 4:00 pm, followed by a celebration of life service at 5:00 pm and Dinner at 6:00 pm.

Family request donations be made to Keystone United Methodist Church in lieu of flowers.