Kenneth Curtis Powers, 40, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 16, 2024. Born in Excelsior Springs on April 20, 1984, to Wayne and Frances (née Love) Powers, he was the second of four children.
Kenneth was differently-abled, and was among the first Excelsior Springs School District students to attend the Rainbow Center for Communicative Disorders in Blue Springs. He loved going to his special school, making new friends, and participating in a variety of activities like throwing events in the Special Olympics. Kenneth graduated from the Rainbow Center in 2005.
Communicating with Kenneth was not easy, but the family adapted to his special language. He loved his mother’s scratch-made cooking, and had an excellent palate for good-tasting, quality foods. Butter was a perfect accompaniment to bread, but never margarine; it had a tendency to be disposed of if provided. His favorite beverages were root beer and chocolate milk, which he called “milkshakes.”
Kenneth was an avid animal lover, both in real life and in movies and television series. The Powers Family had a veritable menagerie of birds, dogs, and cats, so an animal was never far away. Some of his favorite creatures were alligators, crocodiles, dinosaurs (especially the character Little Foot from The Land Before Time film series), sharks, and snakes. On several family trips to the zoo, Kenneth attempted to release his cherished alligator toy to the corresponding zoo exhibit, which created recovery challenges on a couple occasions.
Kenneth is survived by his parents, Wayne and Frances Powers, of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; sister, Carmen Love-Powers, Cavalier, North Dakota; sister and brother-in-law, Jacqueline and Stevie Daugherty, Mabelvale, Arkansas; brother, Robert Powers, Excelsior Springs, Missouri; and several aunts, cousins, and an uncle.
The family invites friends to a visitation at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, which will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Ann Catholic Church at 11 A.M. Interment at Hillcrest Cemetery, Excelsior Springs, will immediately follow the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Rainbow Center in Blue Springs or an animal charity of the donor’s choice in memory of Kenneth Powers.
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
My sincere condolences go out to the Powers family. I never had the pleasure to meet Kenneth, but I know he was an integral part and a light in the life of his family and friends.
Rebecca Hamlett
I am so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Kathleen Brintzinghoffer
I have always been blessed and impressed by Wayne’s devotion to his son. For many years, Wayne has sacrificed for his son. I am confident that Wayne will be rewarded for his labor of love.
Jim Robins
Robert,
My thoughts are with you, Francis and family as you are going through difficult times
I can recall when you and I had conversations about Kenneth. One in particular still sticks in my mind was about Kenneth’s definate likes and dislikes about food. The inflection in your voice reflected your love for Kenneth.
Jim Lyle
I’m so sorry for your loss, prayers of comfort and peace. Kenneth was very loved, by many. Hugs & Love.
Lori Starr Woods
I have always been blessed and impressed by Wayne’s devotion to his son. For many years, Wayne has sacrificed for his son. I am confident that Wayne will be rewarded for his labor of love.
Jim Robins
Robert,
My thoughts are with you, Francis and family as you are going through difficult times. I can recalll when you and I had conversations about Kenneth. One in particular still sticks in my mind was about Kenneth’s definite likes and dislikes about food. The inflection in your voice reflected your love for Kenneth.
Jim Lyle
Dear Robert and family,
So sorry for your loss. I hope you and your family are finding comfort from friends and family. It is very difficult to lose someone so close to you.
Love Barbara Wright
