Rev. Terry Powell

Reverend Terry Lee Powell, age 75, went to be with his Lord and Savior on the morning of September 22, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on January 3, 1950, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Watt and Betty (Gentner) Powell. He graduated from Bethel College with a bachelor’s degree in ministry. On May 20, 1972, he married Peggy Clark at St. Mark Missionary Church, and together they recently celebrated 53 years of marriage.

Terry served as a dedicated leader and pastor in the area for more than 50 years. He started his career in ministry as the Director of Children's Ministries at Brenneman Missionary Church in Goshen before becoming the Senior Pastor at Bethel Missionary Church, also in Goshen. Years later, he was called to lead Cedar Road Missionary Church in Osceola. And, at the time of his retiring in 2018, he was the pastor at Bristol Missionary Church. He also served as the Director of Prairie Camp for over 10 years. Beyond his work in local churches, Terry served in administrative leadership for the North Central District of the Missionary Church. First, as the Assistant to the District Superintendent. And, later as the District Superintendent. An important role that he held for over 16 years. Terry also proudly served on the board of World Partners, a global disciple-making arm of the Missionary Church. He spent time traveling to other countries ensuring that people around the world heard the gospel and encountered the love of Christ. A mission that he was most passionate about, both locally and abroad. In the pursuit of his dedication and devotion to the Lord, Terry ran a God-filled race until the very end.

In his free time, Terry enjoyed sports, especially following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers & the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. He loved traveling with Peggy to Myrtle Beach, his happy place. While there, he thoroughly enjoyed listening to the sound of the ocean and taking leisurely walks along the beach. He also had a lifelong interest in airplanes and could easily identify the make and model of nearly any plane.

Terry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a loving family man, who relished spending time with Peggy, his children, and grandchildren. Even at the very end, it was important to him that his family knew that he loved them. Although cancer had severely weakened his body, his love for them never wavered. He was often seen holding their hands and whispered prayers could be heard. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Powell; their children, Erin (Jason) Cook, Ryan (Karen) Powell, and Kristen Powell; and five grandchildren, Nicholas Cook, David Powell, Caleb Powell, Andrew Powell, and Micah Powell. He is also survived by his sister, Melodye (Don) Zehrung; his in-laws Pat Mitschelen, Bill (Pam) Clark, Ron (Brenda) Clark, Don (Audrey) Clark, and Ray (Kelly) Clark; and his close friend and “special mom,” Betty Carter. He was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Powell.

Visitation will be held two hours prior to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Zion Missionary Church, 1135 E. Hively Avenue, Elkhart, Indiana 46517, with Pastors Mike Peters and Ryan Lutz officiating. Burial will follow privately in Olive Cemetery. Cruz Family Funeral Home of Osceola has been entrusted with his care.

The family wishes to extend immense gratitude for the wonderful staff at the Center for Hospice Care for their compassionate and supportive care during Terry's final days. Their kindness, tenderness, and guidance were immensely helpful during this painful and difficult journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Prairie Camp in Goshen. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Terry’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the Guestbook tab above.