Richard L. Powell

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Richard L. Powell, O.D., F.A.A.O., 77, of Lincoln, passed away November 3, 2022. He was born August 31, 1945, in Sidney, NE to Everett and Leora (Folkerts) Powell.

Richard, originally from Benkelman, NE graduated from Southern College of Optometry, Memphis, Tennessee with a Doctor of Optometry degree in 1968. His undergraduate college was at McCook Junior College, McCook, NE and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. During college, Dr. Powell was President of the Gold Key Honorary Optometric Society, and was also Editor of the College Yearbook.

A former US Army Captain, Dr. Powell moved to Lincoln in 1970, having served as an optometrist in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star for “meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces” in the Republic of Vietnam from August 1969 to August 1970.

Dr. Powell was admitted in the American Academy of Optometry in 1971 and was awarded diplomat status in the National Board of Examiners that same year – a recognition awarded to fewer than 10% of all optometrists in the United States. After serving as President of the Nebraska Optometric Association in 1979, Dr. Powell continued his academic affiliation as Adjunct Assistant Professor at Southern College of Optometry. He is one of fewer than 100 optometrists nationally to have received the American Optometric Association Continuing Education Award annually since its inception in 1979. In 1985 he was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Nebraska State Board of Health. In 2004, he was elected to the Board of Trustees of Southern College of Optometry, the first Nebraska optometrist to serve on this college board. Dr Powell is a life member of the Lincoln Jaycees and was named the Outstanding Young Person Award from the Lincoln NE organization in 1979 and for Nebraska in 1980. He served as President of his neighborhood association from 1984-1987.

Dr. Powell and Vicki have lived in Lincoln since 1970. Family was especially important to Dick. He was an avid Husker fan, and a longtime Booster and supporter of Nebraska Athletics. He loved hunting and fishing, and enjoyed many other sports.

Dick is survived by his wife, Vicki; daughter Shalla (Kevin) Mandigo; grandchildren Burkett II, Madison Lynn, Gabriella Jean, and Greta Faye; brother Bob (Patty) Powell; sister Nancy Powell.

Preceded in death by his parents, son Burkett, brother Mike and sister Vickie.

Celebration of Life service will be held from 3-5 pm Friday, November 11, 2022, at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive. Military rites conducted by Army National Guard and American Legion Post #3. Memorials to Burkett Powell Memorial Fund c/o family.

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Services

November11

Celebration of Life

3:00 pm-5:00 pm CST

Roper & Sons South Chapel

3950 Hohensee Drive (40th & Yankee Hill)
Lincoln, NE 68516

(402) 261-5907

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December 1, 2022

I worked with Dr. Powell for a few months and he was a very strong willed and funny guy to be around. Sending my love and condolences to his family and friends.

– Breanna M.

November 11, 2022

I hardly have a childhood memory that doesn’t include the Powell family. We had practices with Burkett, summer camps in Colorado, bike-a-thon’s ending at Dick and Vicki’s house, high school gymnastic parties at the lake, water skiing all summer long, College reunions playing pool, hot tubs after practice, and so much laughter with the Powell family every time we came over. Dick was always there at the door to greet us with a smile. Gymnastics was a great sport to grow up in, but Dick and the Powell family made it amazing! Thank you Dick for opening up you home and your heart to all the little gymnasts like me. Love you and miss you. Vicki Thimgan (Phillips)

– Vicki Thimgan (Phillips)

November 10, 2022

As a young child and gymnast, I grew up in the gym with both Burkett and Shalla. As an annual event/fundraiser we would do a bike-a-thon. It was probably one of my favorite traditions. On the day of the bike-a-thon the team, both the girls and boys of NSG, we would meet up and begin our biking trek through the city. Every year our last stop was Powell’s home in Capital Beach. Dick and his family would open their home to the young gymnasts and families and we would spend the rest of the day celebrating, pot luck style; swimming in the lake or taking a dip in their hot tub. I clearly remember their warmness to everyone and how they made all of us feel as though we were family!

– Heather Brink

November 10, 2022

So sorry to hear of your loss. Dick will be missed Our optometrist for years of eye care and friend through association and Huskers.

– Lloyd and Donna Hinkley

November 8, 2022

Dick helped me out with equipment purchases when I first got started in Columbus, Nebraska as a sole proprietor optometrist. I always remember that and have always appreciated his help. He also was a pretty good racquetball player in his prime!

– Dr Rick Haney

November 7, 2022

I graduated with Dick from High School and considered him to be my best friend. I was in Dick and Vickie’s wedding 54 years ago. Unfortunately we lived in separate states and grew apart. I will always have very found memories of the Powell family. Rest In Peace my good friend you did a good job here on Earth