Rusty Powell

Russell Keith "Rusty" Powell, a cherished resident of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025, in Tulsa at the age of 77. Born on September 25, 1947, in Okmulgee, he was the son of David Logan Powell and Vena Mae (Sampson) Randall.

Rusty was a dedicated member of the Gravecreek Indian Baptist Church in Hitchita, where he served in various capacities, including deacon, chair, exhorter, and singer. His unwavering faith and commitment to his church community were evident in his active participation and leadership roles.

Beyond his spiritual commitments, Rusty was renowned for his playful nature and sense of humor. He had a knack for lightening the mood with a well-timed joke, bringing smiles to those around him. His infectious laughter and jovial spirit made him a beloved figure among family and friends.

Rusty was an avid supporter of the OU football.

Rusty was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mabel Hill, who raised him; his parents; his wife, Rose Phillips; his sister, Anita Sue Powell; and his brothers, Richard Lynn Powell and Billy Jones.

He is survived by his daughter, Annette Powell-Taylor, and her husband, Chance Taylor, of Checotah; grandchildren Rowdey Osceola, Leah Ann Hill, and Lila Mae Hill, all of Big Cypress, Florida; sisters Sharon Whitecloud of Okmulgee, Pamela Palmer of Okmulgee, and Peggy Powell of Durant; brothers, Butch Powell of Tulsa, David Powell Jr. of Okmulgee, and Mitchell Powell of Oklahoma City; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00 to 3:30 PM on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Integrity Funeral Service. Wake services are scheduled for 7:00 PM on the same day at Gravecreek Indian Baptist Church in Hitchita.

Funeral services will take place at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the church, with Rev. Norman Daniel officiating and Rev. Wallace Gambler assisting. Interment will follow at Gravecreek Cemetery (407337 East 1030 Road) in Hitchita.

Pallbearers include Chance Taylor, Jerry Sumka, Sherman Hill, James Whitecloud, Jed Kitchkommie, Steven Powell, and Logan Powell. Honorary pallbearers are Eddie Lowe, Kevin Tiger, Herman Harjo, Curtis Scott, Charles West, and Paul Tecumseh.

Services have been entrusted to Integrity Funeral Service.