Lawrence 'Gomer' Powell

LANCASTER - Lawrence "Gomer" Powell, 69, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2015 in Pennsylvania. Born and raised in Lancaster, he was the son of the late John William and late Manola Mary (Young) Powell. He spent his youth years at Saint Charles Catholic Orphanage located in Rochester NH. As a teenager he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country as a Military Police. He returned to his hometown of Lancaster where he became a jack of all trades; working for a short time at Timberland Machine, Lancaster Police Department for over 20 years and working full time with the Town of Lancaster as the Water Works foreman from 1974-2002. He could be spotted day or night digging ditches, thawing or snaking pipes, and plowing the sidewalks in his bombardier. He had a passion for helping anyone he could. He spent over 30 years as a volunteer fireman; he was an active member of the American Legion, VFW, and Lions Club. His love for antiques and local history drew him to participate in the works of the Towns' Historical Society where he served as both president and vice president. He was a self taught, licensed auctioneer in the State of New Hampshire, He always looked forward to the rotary club auction and emceeing and participating in many of the local parades. And somehow in his spare time he managed to run his own new and used furniture business. He was a North Country Icon. He was awarded Lancaster's Citizen of the Year in 2002 and was often referred to as Mr. Lancaster due to his charismatic personality and amiable smile. Everyone knew "Gomer". Gomer was preceded in death by: his infant son Lawrence C. Powell Jr., a son Michael David Powell, a brother Billy Powell and his beloved Saint Bernard Ben. He was survived by his daughter Laurie A. Powell-Isenberg and her husband Todd of Pennsylvania, his daughter Tina M. Powell of Merrimack, and daughter Tammie Gawronski and her husband Alan of Honolulu, Hawaii. Also survived by sister Barbara Rollins and Patsy Kovak and Brothers Bob and Richard Powell; nine grandchildren: Abigail, Elizabeth, Sarah, Alexa, Adam, Mason, Peyton, Hannah, John Henry (Jake); and many close friends. A funeral service will be held Saturday May 9, 2015 at 10:00 o'clock at the Lancaster Congregational Church, Reverend Sharon Vanderlaan will officiate. Burial will follow at the Summer Street Cemetery with a luncheon to be held at the church. In lieu of flowers an account has been set up to establish a memorial in honor of Gomer in the Town of Lancaster. Please make checks payable to Service Credit Union reference account # 27921110-02, mailing address 148 Main Street, Lancaster, NH 03584.