Franklin Charles Powers, 87, of Gove, KS, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on June 24, 2024, at the Gove County Medical Center. Frank was born on December 2, 1936, to Miles and Rosa (Gehm) Powers outside of Grinnell, KS. It was a very frigid winter. After being born, his mom put him in a shoebox and on top of the stove door to keep him warm as he only weighed four pounds. Frank was the youngest of eight children. He was an uncle the day he was born. Living only two miles from town, on the farm his dad bought in 1922, Frank attended Gove’s School District and graduated with the class of 1954.
Frank and Ferol’s first date was to a drive-in movie…the Charley Pride song, “Burgers and Fries,” is how Frank would describe the setting. After dating for 10 months, Frank proposed to the love of his life, Mona Ferol Dawson, and they were married on May 31st, 1959, at Oakley Nazarene Church. They started their family soon after and had Jim, Mike, and Brian. They waited a few years, then had Marshall and Eric. Frank and Ferol shared 65 years of love and devotion together.
Frank served in the Air Force from 1957 to 1961. After being honorably discharged, he worked several jobs. In 1964, he began working for the Kansas Department of Transportation. He retired from the State Department in 1999. He was also a member of the Kansas National Guard for 18 years, President of the Kansas Author’s Club, American Legion Post No. 201, the American Red Cross, Kansas Freemasons Lodge No. 318, Gove County Historical Museum, Quinter Historical Society, and several others. People would probably describe him as a walking historian. He was the best tour guide for the Gove County Historical Museum as he had a way of making history come to life through personal stories.
Frank was an avid writer. He had written many stories about his life and kept them in a binder he titled, “Memories of a former Farm Boy”. He would jot down memories from his birth, mishaps and fixes, political history, and family stories until the end of his life. He also authored a few poems as well. He was a published author in Reminisce magazine. He would read a couple of his stories, annually, to the 3rd-grade class at Quinter Elementary School. It was something he looked forward to every year.
Frank enjoyed camping, pitching horseshoes, bowling, car shows, and visiting with people. As much as he loved these activities, he loved his family more. Frank took his role of “Grandpa” seriously. He and Ferol regularly took their grandkids on camping trips and attended many of their concerts and other activities.
Frank attended the Gove Methodist Church for many years and then attended services at the Gove Community Bible Church. He and Ferol regularly attended a week-long family camp, with Jim’s family, called Black Hill Bible Camp. Frank was a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ and studied God’s word.
Frank made friends and left a good impression wherever he went. He had a kind heart and would help anyone in need, even if it meant he’d have to sacrifice. In doing so, he left a wonderful legacy. He was well-loved and will be dearly missed.
Frank is survived by his wife, Ferol, of the home; three sons, Jim (Judy) Powers of Quinter, KS, Mike Powers of Oakley, KS, and Brian Powers of Gove, KS; three grandchildren, Dustri (Lance) Brown of Collyer, KS, Dayna (Brenton) Pennington of Quinter, KS, and Austin (Breann) Powers
of Quinter, KS; eleven great-grandchildren, Evahri, Eiyah, and Eadon Brown of Collyer, KS, Miley, Carter, and Jordyn Pennington of Quinter, KS, and Riley, Miles, Dylan, Tucker, and Trenton Powers of Quinter, KS. He also leaves behind many nephews, nieces, cousins, and a multitude of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings; Sanford Powers, Robert Powers, Rosemary Lemaster, Edward Powers, Ruth Romesburg, John Powers, and Annabelle Powers; two sons, Marshall Powers and Eric Powers; and an infant great-granddaughter, Annabelle Powers.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Gove County Historical Museum or the Quinter Historical Museum. Donations can be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home at 336 North 12th Street, WaKeeney, KS, 67672. Frank’s legacy of love and kindness will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him.
Memories and words of support may be left for the family by writing in the guestbook at www.schmittfuneral.com.