Dr. E. Duane Powers, affectionately known as Doc, age 94, passed away on Saturday, April 17th, 2021 in The Villages, FL.
He was born October 13th, 1926 in Kent, Ohio to the late Elmer and Ruth (Gilbert) Powers. Duane was a very motivated young man and at a young age took on several jobs to make ends meet. After completing high school in 1944, he enlisted in the military at age 17 and studied civil engineering during his service. He married Esther Scobie in 1948, and graduated from Kansas City College of Osteopathy and Surgery in 1952. He moved to Culver, Indiana and opened his 1st private practice becoming a country doctor, doing house calls and delivering many babies over the years.
Later, Duane was invited to join a thriving practice in Flint, Michigan with Dr. Donald Smith, a former classmate of his. He married Lois Ruth Martin in 1966 and moved to Flushing, Michigan. He eventually opened his own private practice in Swartz Creek, Michigan seeing over 16,000 patients during his career. His positive energy and sense of humor were his trademarks while treating his patients holistically.
After receiving his pilot’s license, Duane joined the Flying Physicians. One of his most memorable experiences with the group was flying to Alaska, passing by Mt. McKinley and fishing in Anchorage during spawning season bringing back large amounts of fresh salmon. He was also an avid golfer getting two holes-in-one in his lifetime (one at age 93). He loved to play games and attend social gatherings. His enthusiasm, his energy and sense of humor endeared him to all who knew him.
He was a devoted husband who was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Ruth Powers in 2005. He is survived by his 8 children; Terrance Powers (Dani), Michael Powers (Berta), Deborah Leblanc (Claude), Susan Powers (Gary), Pamela Martin, Jennifer Powers, Patrick Powers, and Heidi Powers-Dahlman (Larry), his 20 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren and by his long-time companion, Kay DeRousse, whom he met in 2006. Duane was a one-of-a-kind person and he will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Per his wishes, funeral services will be in Grand Haven, Michigan where he will be buried next to his wife of 39 years, Lois R. Powers. Date to be determined. Any contributions may be made in his name to Hospice of North Ottawa Community, 18525 Woodland Ridge Dr., Spring Lake, MI 49456.
