Gerald Melvin Powelson, 81 years, of Fort Madison, Iowa died at 5:07 am Friday, July 10, 2015 at the Fort Madison Community Hospital, Fort Madison, Iowa. He was born April 22, 1934 at Terre Haute, Illinois, a son of Melvin and Violet (Williams) Powelson. On January 18, 1953, he married Rita L. Luton at the Old Bedford Church, Blandinsville, Illinois. She preceded him in death.

Gerald farmed in the La Harpe and Terre Haute, Illinois area. He sold insurance and worked in oil fields in Texas and New Mexico. He moved to Fort Madison in 1974, and was an over the road truck driver until 2007. He enjoyed working with wood, tools and engines in the garage. He was a jack of all trades and master of none. He refinished a 1947 Farmall Tractor with his sons and rode it in the Rodeo Parade. He was a member of the First Christian Church, Fort Madison, Iowa.

He is survived by three sons: Steven Powelson, of Niota, Illinois, Roger (wife Kim) Powelson, of Clifton Hill, Missouri and Matt Powelson, of Niota, Illinois; three daughters: Gerry (husband Dale) Pohlpeter, of Fort Madison, Iowa, Sherry (husband Rocky) Aschbrenner, of Fort Madison, Iowa and Jeanne (husband Donny) Hogan, of Fort Madison, Iowa; three sisters: Helen Curl, of Omaha, Nebraska, Dorothy Wade, of Hillsboro, Texas and June (husband Jesse) Brewer, of Stockport, Iowa; 16 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and one grandson, Scott.

Per his wishes, his body has been cremated. Family will greet friends from 10:00 - 11:00 am Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison. Memorial services will follow and be held 11:00 am Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison, with Reverend John Simpson officiating. Private family burial will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established, contributions may be left at the Barr Memorial Chapel.