Robert Graham “Bob” Powers
Robert Graham Powers (Bob), 74, passed away on August 29, 2020 at DeGreeff Hospice in Saint Louis, MO surrounded by friends and family.
He was born on May 12, 1946 to Richard and Marie Powers and spent his childhood in Wilmington, IL. Bob loved life and lived it to his fullest. He was known for his big smile and hearty laugh. He spent his working career in the software industry working for several companies including McDonnell Douglas and AT&T. However, he had his greatest fulfillment in retirement as an IVC volunteer (Ignatian Volunteer Corps) volunteering in the computer lab at Most Holy Trinity grade school in Hyde Park. He went there to be of service and instead unexpectedly received the joy filled love of the students and staff who rejuvenated his retirement and later sustained him through illness. Bob was also President of the Grand Jury Association where he volunteered his time giving a laymen’s orientation and perspective of being a grand jury member to each new session.
He is survived by his wife Mary Kellogg of Saint Louis, his two sons who were his joys: Timothy (Kelley) Powers of Eagle Rock, CA and Richard Powers of Seattle, WA, his grandchildren, Nicholas and Katie Powers of Capistrano Beach, CA, his brother, Charles (Dee) Powers of Palm Harbor, FL, and his beloved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a thank you to the community of family and friends who were companions in life’s journey as well as to the Siteman Cancer and Counseling Center, Washington University PT department, Bethesda Dilworth Rehab, and the compassionate staff at DeGreeff Hospice.
Services: Funeral Mass will be held at St Francis Xavier College Church at 9AM on Saturday, September 5. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no wake or visitation before or after mass. Masks will be required and social distancing rules followed (minimum of 6 feet). Capacity will be limited to 125 people. Internment at Calvary Cemetery following mass.
The service should be live streamed and also available after the service at the SFX College Church You Tube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs0XM5LvnSDaUJDYlrTsZfwEulogy video by Timothy Powers is available at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0y47f3eWE0 (or search for Robert G. Powers eulogy on You Tube).
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Ignatian Volunteer Corps at 4511 West Pine Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63108-2194 or to Microfinancing Partners in Africa at 4949 Columbia Ave Saint Louis, MO 63139 or a charity of your choice.
Our world is poorer, missing his welcoming spirit.
It was a privilege to know Bob
Loved Bob. Always in a good mood, inspired others and shared his creativity.
I’ve missed Bob since the day I left AT&T. He taught me a lot – about a lot of things. So sorry Mary..
Same as Rick’s comments Mary. Bob taught me a lot and he was fun to be around. He will be missed.
Bob and I were fortunate to spend many moments together. So many holidays and vacations centered around family. He was my brother-in-law and we soon became good friends. We shared many outings together, including the zoo, museums, restaurants and golf outings. We did not share the same talent level in golf. But we did share the enthusiasm. I have never met a person like him, who genuinely cared about each golf shot you made, good or bad. And so it deepened my commitment, to hit each shot as well as I could. So we shared our successes and moved on past our failures. So much like life, I wanted to do better when I was around him.
It was an honor to know uncle Bob.
Certainly we need more uncle Bobs in our life.
He will be missed.
Bob’s joy was our joy! Bob shared himself to the fullest. He was the change he wanted to see. We, at Microfinancing Partners in Africa, had the greatest joy of his presence. Many hours he, and Mary volunteered with us giving service, companionship and joyful celebrations of life.
He cared so much and willingly shared it. He gave so much and willingly did it with all joy. Knowing Bob changed my life for the better and my life will be better because I know him. Thank you, Bob! We still need you and maybe even more now. We know and trust you will continue being for and with us! Thank you, dear friend.
While it has been a while since I have seen Bob & Mary, I still have many great memories of working with them both. My sympathy goes out to his family at this time and I am sure he will be missed as he did everything with so much passion.
Thinking of you, Susan
Don and I were so grateful to live stream Bob’s joyous and touching funeral mass. Seated in our recliners we watched the service from our respective laptops. The visuals were so beautiful and we participated as though we were right there. Perfection was personified in the readings, music, eulogy and homily! Bob was truly loved and “a man for all seasons”. Unlike most funerals services, Bob’s Mass left us with joy in our hearts and a desire to emulate lyrics from the Recessional Hymn “to leave our tears behind and begin dancing”.
Thank you Mary and God bless you and your family. Marsha Shepley and Don Peterson
I have many good memories of my times with Bob. He had a good sense of humor and a pleasure to be around. I’m very sad to hear of his passing. There will never be another like him.