Leroy Espy Powell

LeRoy Espy Powell, 84, of Palestine passed away in Indianapolis IN on March 18th 2016. He was born January 20th, 1932 in Palestine, IL, the youngest son of Harry Roy and Carrie (Espy) Powell. He joined the First Methodist Church in Palestine in his youth and remained active until his death, having held various offices on the Church Board. LeRoy attended grade and high school in Palestine, graduating in 1951, and attended Business College in Evansville IN. He delivered groceries for his family’s grocery in Palestine, and worked at different jobs until he took the job in the Circuit Clerk’s office in the Courthouse in Robinson, IL, in 1964, which he held for nearly 34 years until his retirement on January 24th, 1997, just four days after turning 65. During this time he met his wife, Betty Bonham, who worked for several attorneys in Robinson, and were married on November 11th, 1979, and they lived in LeRoy’s home place in Palestine. She survives of Palestine. He is also survived by his brother Robert Powell (Manhattan Beach, CA), nephews Robert Powell JR (Berkley CA), Patrick Bonham (Atwood IL), Jonathon Bonham (Champaign IL) three brothers-in-law Roger Bonham (Atwood IL) Larry & Mary Jo Bonham (Palestine) Roy Don & LaDonna Stant (Annapolis IL). They had no children but enjoyed their pets, currently a cat named Maggie. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters-in-law Neva Powell, and Kathy Bonham. LeRoy liked to go down to the family farm to mushroom hunt, and to walk around and enjoy the outside. He enjoyed gathering corn in the fall to feed the squirrels. He also enjoyed starting pine trees from seeds to transplant them to the farm as they got large enough. LeRoy was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and always watched their games, usually getting very excited at the outcome. He was also a White Sox fan, and generally like to watch whatever game happened to be playing. LeRoy will be missed by all who know him, especially his wife. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 23rd at 2:00pm at the First United Methodist Church in Palestine, IL with Pastor Jane Drake officiating. Burial will follow at the Palestine Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00pm-7:00pm on Tuesday March 22nd, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the American Heart Association.