Carl Edward Powers, 90, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2022 after a short illness. He was born on May 10,1932, the youngest of four children. His parents were Arthur Henry Powers, Sr. and Marie Chambers Powers. He was preceded in death by his oldest brother, Arthur "Honey" (Agnes) Powers and his brother, Charles (Jeanne) Powers, and by his sweetheart of 33 years, Rita Jean Anderson.

Carl was very proud of his Catholic faith and was a perfect example of a man who lived his faith daily. He always sought opportunities to be of service to others. He would fondly recall his early years of school at Little Flower Elementary School and, in fact, he still had the enrollment ledger, with the names of hundreds of Little Flower students. Carl spent his high school years at Christian Brothers College, graduating in 1949. He was both a wrestler (often describing his weight as "gnat" weight), and a cheerleader, with his sister, Jeanne, from St. Agnes. Since he was so light, he was the one hoisted to the top by the cheerleaders, as if he could fly. Up until his death, Carl continued to meet with the remaining members of his 1949 graduation class.

Under the direction of the Christian Brothers, the seed of ministry in service to others was planted and strongly rooted. Carl was a very active member of St. Louis Catholic Church, serving as an altar server, lector, usher, Eucharistic Minister and Perpetual Adoration Adorer. He was a member of the St. Louis Men's Club, The St. Vincent De Paul Society, The Serra Club, Fleur-de-lis and RCIA. He participated in building homes for Habitat for Humanity, often working seven days a week instead of just on the weekends. He was involved in every facet of the St. Louis Hole in One and was especially known for his "fried bologna" sandwiches. Carl attended 6:15 a.m. mass daily, usually serving the mass.

After graduation from high school Carl served in the Korean War and was a proud Army veteran. He often joked that very soon after he was sent overseas to Korea, the war ended, simply because the Koreans were so scared of him! Upon his return he began his careerin the steel business and over the years, he formed many dear friendships with people from Pidgeon Thomas, Fischer Steel and Tri-state Iron Works. He went on to become a steel fabricator and formed his own successful company, Cepco Sales. He was very proud that he had supplied most of the iron for the St. Louis Clunan Center, the Adoration Chapel and all the Sonic restaurants in the Southeast.

Even after losing his eyesight, Carl continued to give his time to his church. He was a faithful 2 a.m. Adoration Adorer and usher. He would often stay long after the masses, to "face the money", get it counted and get the deposit made. In addition, he was called upon regularly to handle the incense for funeral masses. Carl enjoyed many years of retreats, especially finding peace in the silent retreat centers. At one of these, which he attended for years, he was given the job of "bell ringer" to notify others of meals or meetings. His fellow retreat members affectionately began to call him "Quasimodo."

As his health declined Carl made the decision to move to Ave Maria Assisted Living. Even in his late 80's he continued to serve daily mass there, and enjoyed sharing memories and telling stories with other former Christian Brothers alumni. The staff of Ave Maria adored him and helped to make his last years so special.

Carl was the true definition of a "Servant Leader" and he lived his Catholic faith daily by giving of his time, talent and treasure. To many people he was "Mr. Saint Louis." Truly he lived this prayer that he would often recite to the ladies in the church office: "Others, Lord, yes others, Let this my motto be: Help me live for others that I may live for thee." He is survived by his sister Jeanne Marie Bryant (Bill) McKelvey (Pat), his nephews, Jerry Powers, John Bryant, David (Candy) Bryant, Edward (Robin) Bryant and Danny (Helen) Bryant and by his nieces, June Marie (Russell) Cuyler (deceased), Patricia (Ray) Holsberry, Pam (Albert) Graham, Carolyn (John) Inman, Cecilia Powers and Barbara (Curtis) Atchley, numerous grandnieces and grandnephews and his "adopted children", Hank and Lori Johnson, Bill and Lisa Anderson and Danny and Jan Anderson, and five grandchildren, Patrick, DJ, Ashton, Hayes and Ryan.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Louis Catholic Church, Christian Brothers High School or Ave Maria Home.

Please join us in celebrating Carl's life at Saint Louis Catholic Church on Saturday, July 16, 2022. Visitation will be at 11 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 noon. To watch thelivestream visit our website at www.stlouischurchmphs.org and click on "Watch Sunday Mass."