Richard 'Coach' Powell

Richard (Coach) Powell, 82, of Georgetown, IL (aka Candy Cane Lane), peacefully passed away on December 3, 2022, with his family by his side after a brave battle with Inclusion Body Myositis. As a faithful member of the Danville First Church of the Nazarene, a Celebration of Life will be held on January 14, 2023, at the Church (2212 N Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61832) beginning at 9:30am and funeral service will begin at 11am with lunch following at 12pm. His service will be livestreamed at www.danvillefirstnaz.org. Coach Powell was born in Bicknell, IN, on October 3, 1940, to William and Avenell {Fox} Powell. He graduated from Bicknell High School in 1958, Franklin College in 1963 where he was the starting center on the football team and completed his graduate studies at the University of Illinois. On August 7, 1966, he married the love of his life, Viki Lynn (Arnholt). He taught mathematics for over 39 years, 35 years at Georgetown High School where he was best remembered as 'Coach'. He coached football, golf, girls' basketball, and track. His coaching career spanned over 30 years celebrating two undefeated football seasons which included a father ('67) and son ('89). After retiring from coaching, he made his debut as a football referee where he was honored to ref a HS game at the Illini Memorial Stadium. Coach Powell was an avid golfer once playing 365 rounds of golf in a single year, even making 7 hole-in-one shots over his long career. He was captain of his college golf team, carrying a zero handicap (scratch golfer). He did continue his golf game well after his muscular disease took away the physical game by playing on-line with partners from around the world. His virtual family will be holding an annual memorial tournament in his honor. He was a dedicated Illini football fan, attending multiple home games with his wife. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren play many sports which included wrestling, football, volleyball, soccer, basketball, baseball, track & field, golf and lacrosse. Survived by his wife of 56 years, Viki (Arnholt), two daughters Nicole Kibler (David) of Urbana, IL, and Stephanie Therriault (Jeff) of Auburn, ME, and seven grandchildren Wesley, Austin, Tori, Zachary, Gavin, Kayla and Jordyn; Brother John Powell (Mary) of Evansville, IN and several nieces. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Georgetown Athletic Booster Club, Georgetown Library and/or Georgetown First Responders. Arrangements were entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Georgetown, Illinois 200 E. West St. Georgetown, Illinois 61846. Please join his family in sharing memories, photos, & videos through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.