Clarence Samuel "Clar" Powell, 78, of Mediapolis, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Addington Place in Burlington.
Born December 12, 1946, in Burlington, he was the son of William John and Anna Frances Lasdauskis Powell. In the spring of 1970, married Sandra Claudette Dumse Spiker. Together they had one child, Marcus William Powell. They later divorced.
Clar took on many adventures, including managing the bowling alley at Camp Henson in Hawaii after he was wounded in Vietnam, drove sprint cars at 34 Raceway, played semi-pro football for the Burlington River Chiefs, and was a dedicated bodybuilder, earning the title of Mr. Iowa in 1987. He spent the majority of his adult life as a welder at J.I. Case Company and was the President of Local 807. After leaving JI Case, he worked for the Des Moines County Conservation. His last role was courthouse security at the Des Moines County courthouse.
The biggest life event that shaped the trajectory of all the rest of his life, both good and bad, was when he joined the 2nd Battalion 3rd Marines 3rd Marine Division Company F weapons Platoon. He was part of the defensive battle known as the Hill Battles of Keh Sahn. He was wounded in action on May 9, 1967 and received a Purple Heart for his service that day.
Because of the Hill Fights, Clar had a drive to protect the safety and rights of others. This shaped him to be a protective father, the president of the Local where he was able to protect the rights of fellow co-workers, and to pursue careers in law enforcement and conservation. He was a comrade to many and always up to share a compliment to someone who was having a bad day.
Survivors include his son, Marcus (Annie) Powell; three grandsons, Tayler (Shelby) Powell, Nick Powell, and Brett Powell; one great-granddaughter, Crue, all of New London; one brother, William "Bill" Powell of Sawyer, Iowa.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by 24 Marines from his company; including Lenard Picanso, his very best friend that he missed until the very day he died.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
Visitation will be from noon until 6 p.m. with the family to receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street. He will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
A memorial has been established for Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice.