Calvin Harold “Sonny” Powers, age 83 formerly of Lowell, currently of Wyoming, passed away October 13, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roger Powers, Sr., and Hazel Scott; wife and mother of his children, Gladys Powers; and wife, Kay Powers; siblings, Dottie (Leo) Richardson, Lavada (Anthony) Burke, Barbara Manley, and Roger Powers, Jr. Sonny is survived by his children, Robert (Deri) Powers, Cindy (Phil) Jojola, Steven (Marcia) Powers; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Rood; sisters-in-law, Susan Powers, Agnes VanHouten; numerous nieces and nephews, including special niece and nephew, Carol and Burt; and special friend Mary Lou.
He was a graduate of tech school and went on to become an Electrician. After 20 years of service Calvin retired from Amway. Then he went on to become Master of Ceremonies at the Parton Dude Ranch in Tennessee for 5 years. Sonny was also a proud Veteran of the United States Army. He also was a talented country and gospel artist, preforming for over 60 years. Sonny was inducted as an Honorary Member of the Michigan Country Hall of Fame. In his spare time, he was an avid outdoorsman, he loved to spend time with his sons while hunting and fishing. In Sonny’s later years he found time to get his pilot’s license and was able to take numerous family members on airplane rides. Sonny was known as a master storyteller, and always had a good joke on hand. He will be missed by many good friends and family.
Visitation with the family will be held from 5-8pm on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Roth-Gerst Chapel, 305 N. Hudson, Lowell, Michigan, 49331. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at the funeral home with visitation one hour prior. Interment Rosedale Memorial Gardens. Memorial Contributions can be made to Michigan Veteran Homes, https://www.michigan.gov/mvh/support/make-a-gift.
4 Responses
Heaven has gained a man who would do anything you needed for anyone and a wonderful singer. Our family has been fortunate to listen to Sonny sing over 60 years and he will be missed by so many people especially Mary Lou.
Marilyn and John
Marge
I’m so sorry for your loss Deri and Rob.
I worked with Cal for many years at Amway. My first thought when I read his name was when I was driving on 131 and he stopped traffic when I hit a patch of ice and did a “doughnut”. I never knew it was him until the next day at work and he asked me about it.
I worked with Calvin at Amway for many years and became good friends. We both sang in the Amway Christmas program and I had numerous opportunities to sing with him at barn parties, weddings, Clarksville steam and tractor show and local entertainment at the Lowell showboat. He was a great vocal mentor and a fellow country music singer. Many great memories of singing with Calvin. I will miss him greatly. I just wish I would have been made aware of his passing and apologize for not attending his visitation or funeral. Go Rest High, On that Mountain my friend. Your work on earth is done. Miss you buddy.