John Mark Powell

John Mark Powell was born in Paoli, Indiana to John Thomas and Dorothy Marie Powell on October 28, 1942 and lived his early years in the Powell Valley community of rural Martin County. He helped his father build their new house in suburban Shoals, which the family moved into in the 1958. John graduated from Shoals High School in 1960. 

He joined the Army on October 7, 1964 which began his lifelong interest in computing and communications technology serving as a Machine Accounting Specialist until his discharge on October 6, 1966 at the rank of SP5. After his discharge from the Army, he moved to Indianapolis and later settled in Plainfield, Indiana. 

He began his career with the FAA in 1968 and served many roles there including controlling taxi-ways from the tower, air traffic controller, and finally focusing on the computer operations which supported these functions. He retired from the FAA on January 3, 2003. John obtained his Pilot license in the late 70’s and served more than a decade as a volunteer with Civil Air Patrol. He would often pilot those missions in their Cessna. 

Our Uncle Johnny was an avid fan of NASCAR and Indy car racing. He and his friends were regulars at the Indy 500 and Talladega for decades. In retirement he enjoyed tinkering with his shortwave radio station, dozens of home computer systems, and building out his home automation. 

In addition, he was the family/community photographer always lining the family up for photos during gatherings, ignoring all complaints and eye rolling from the younger members of the group. 

Both of his parents preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister, Zoe Ann Baum of Monticello, Indiana, nephew, John E. Baum (Alice), of Ventura California, niece, Rachel Baum (Amro) of Chicago, Illinois and great niece, Stephanie LeGault (Adam) and great-great niece, Claire LeGault of Thousand Oaks, California and his many close cousins and friends who have known, loved, respected and admired his integrity, loyalty, patience and kindness throughout his lifetime. Uncle Johnny, we love you! 

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM January 20, 2024, at the Shoals Christian Church. Burial will follow in the Ames Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until the time of service at the church. A reception will be held at the Shoals Christian Church Resource Center The Queen-Lee Chapel of George Funeral Care has been entrusted with the arrangements.