Richard L. Powell

Hon. Richard “Dick” L. Powell, 89, of Steubenville, Ohio passed away Friday, November 10, 2017. Ever patriotic, he was born July 4, 1928 to the late William and Ada Powell, in Bedford, Ohio, and raised in Brilliant, Ohio. A child of the Depression, Richard grew up quickly helping his family run Powell’s General Store—even learning to drive at 13 so that he could deliver groceries.

Remarkably self-sufficient, Richard graduated early from Brilliant High School at 16, then put himself through the College of Commerce at Ohio University, and studied law at Ohio Northern University, receiving his Juris Doctorate in 1953, while working a full-time factory job in Lima, Ohio.

Returning to Steubenville, with his wife Joan, Richard worked as a Trust Officer with First National Bank for six years before starting in private practice for 24 years. He was a member of the Jefferson County Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Assoc., and served as a member, and chairman of the board, for the Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Grievance and Discipline. He also taught Business Law at the University of Steubenville, and later Real Estate Law at Jefferson Technical College.

Better known to his friends and acquaintances as Judge, Richard was elected Municipal Court Judge of Steubenville in 1983, serving three terms until his retirement in 2001. He was a President of the Steubenville Rotary Club (as seen in the Rotary mural on N. Court St.), and served on the Board of Trustees of the Public Library of Steubenville from 1966 to 2016. Later in life, he served extensively as a baby-sitter, taxi driver, golf instructor, and role-model to his three grand-children.

Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Joan Johnson Powell, his brother William G., his sister Jean Everson, his son Douglas, and son-in-law Floyd Stewart.

He is survived by his daughters Susan Stewart of Pompano Beach, FL, and Kimberly (Tom Letcher) Hargett of Steubenville; three grandchildren Justin Hargett of Los Angeles, CA, Travis Hargett of Washington, D.C., and Lucas Powell of Steubenville.

Friends may call at Dunlope – Shorac Funeral Home (Wintersville) on Monday 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Tuesday 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. On Wednesday, friends may call at First Westminster Presbyterian Church (235 N. 4th St.) from 10 a.m. until time of services at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Jason Elliot officiating.  Burial at Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Westminster Presbyterian Church or the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County.

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