Shawn LaVell Powell

By Sun Advocate

PRICE- Shawn LaVell Powell, age 60, passed away June 17, 2015 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born November 13, 1954 in Price, Utah to Neldon LaVell and Evelyn Coleman Powell.
Shawn was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he was active in the Boy Scouts and earned his Eagle Scout under Pete Bruno. From 1972 to 1976, he proudly served in Fort Lewis, Washington and West Germany for two years with 3rd Armored Division as the Company Armorer. He also served in the Utah National Guard for five years. On May 31, 1974, he married his sweetheart Billie Jean Mills in Price, Utah. Shawn was a longtime resident of Carbon County and a graduate of the College of Eastern Utah.
He worked at the Carbon Steam Plant in Helper as a Shift Supervisor and Trainer for 34 years where he earned the respect and nickname of “Big Daddy” from his co-workers. He was a dedicated worker who put his all into everything he did. “Big Daddy” was a jack of all trades and he could virtually do anything. Shawn enjoyed working alongside his wife and beautifying their home. They took great pride in making their old home look new again.
Family was the most important thing to Shawn and he taught his son and daughter at an early age how to work hard and appreciate everything they have. He told them “nothing comes easy in this life and through hard work you get results”. Shawn tried to pass this on to everyone and his legacy will live on through all the lives he touched.
Survivors include his wife, Billie Jean Powell, son, Shawn L. Powell, Jr., (Cortney), daughter, Christinna J. (Chris) Barnett, all of Price; two brothers and two sisters, Kevin Powell, Kent (Yvette) Powell, both of Price, Rinna Powell, Neleen Powell, both of Salt Lake; in-laws, Richard “Bud” (Doris) Mills, Terrie Mills, all of Price, Connie Simms, Spring Glen, Bret (Anita) Mills, Castle Dale; six grandchildren, Dakota, Shadynn, Radley, Christian, Kylie and Alyssa; and his beloved nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
Preceded in death by his son, Jeffery Wayne Powell; parents Neldon and Evelyn Powell; brother-in-law, Kent Simms; and aunt Carol Fausett.
Funeral service, Wednesday, June 24, 11:00 a.m., Price Stake Center (150 South 500 East) in Price where the family will receive friends at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Price City Cemetery with military honors by the Price American Legion. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Shawn online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net