Dennis Dale Powell

DENNIS DALE POWELL, 64, died on Friday, January 22, 2021 at T.J. Health Medical Center in Columbia, Kentucky due to unexpected heart complications.

Dennis was born March 5, 1956 in Louisville, KY. In 1974 he graduated from Butler High School, where he played football and trumpet. Three years later (1977) he married his best friend and love of his life, Kathy. Kathy and Dennis were blessed with four beautiful children—Chris, Ben, Sarah, and Zach—and lived in Louisville until Dennis and Kathy moved to Columbia, KY in 2010.

Dennis was a lifelong ASE Certified Master Technician. He worked as Service Manager at various auto dealerships, most recently at Bachman Chevrolet In Louisville and Franklin Chevrolet in Russell Springs. In 2015, Dennis began teaching Automotive Technology at Nelson County Area Technology Center. In December 2020, while continuing to teach, Dennis proudly earned an Associate’s Degree from Western Kentucky University.

Dennis was a lifelong musician. He shared his passion not only with his children – all who became musicians – but also with the community. He sang as a choir member and tenor soloist at various Catholic parishes in Louisville before creating a men’s choir at his home church of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in 1995. Dennis later served as Music Director at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton where he led a children’s choir, mixed choir, and men’s choir that sang throughout the Archdiocese of Louisville.

Dennis led a life of service to others. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher, mentor, and friend. His quiet, kind, and gentle disposition left a lasting impression with everyone he met. Everything he did was done with selfless love: helping customers in the service department, fixing a neighbor’s car, encouraging men to sing, or inspiring young men and women to become mechanics.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kathy Jo (Fowler) Powell; his sons Christopher Powell (Cara) and Benjamin Powell (Amy); daughter Sarah Bennett (Paul); grandchildren Julia Bennett, Owen Powell, and Maya Bennett; and his brother Charles “Butch” Powell (Wanda) and sister Sandra “Sandy” Williams (Russell).

Due to the safety of others during the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no visitation or memorial service. A celebration of life gathering will be scheduled at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, condolences can be sent to the Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation (awafoundation.org) and The American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org).

Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements