Robert Lynn

Powell

Robert Lynn Powell, age 90, of Gulfport, Mississippi, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

Known affectionately as “Bob,” Robert was a master carpenter whose passion for woodworking began in childhood. He possessed a natural curiosity and a keen understanding of how things worked. Family members could always count on him to find a way to fix what was broken. He was also known for his quiet wit, wisdom, and memorable sayings, including “What a blessing!”, “Don’t sweat the small stuff,” and “Everybody’s gonna have religion in glory.” He especially enjoyed the Southern expression, “Grease, grits, and gravy.”

Robert was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on November 25, 1935. He was a proud member of the Choctaw Tribe of Oklahoma. A longtime member of the Church of Christ, he served faithfully as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for many years.

In 1954, Robert joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he met his beloved wife, Frances. They shared 64 years of marriage. Following his active-duty service, Robert worked as a civilian air traffic controller instructor at KAFB. He also served for 33 years in the Mississippi Air National Guard, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lena Powell; his wife, Frances; and his sisters, Alicia Fairmond and Alyene Allen.

He is survived by his children, Alison Clay (David), Elizabeth Powell, and Kellie Istvan; his grandchildren, Melissa Hover, Jeremy Clay (Brandi), Katie McFarlin (Seth), Steven Powell (Jillian), Daniel Istvan, and Hannah Istvan; his great-grandchildren, Ethan Boulware (Katelyn), Cody Evans, Taylor Evans, Jaxon Clay, Clay McFarlin, Emmie Kate McFarlin, Connor Clay, Madelynn Powell, Noah Powell, and Elijah Powell; and his great-great-grandchildren, Tony Boulware and Kylie Boulware.

Robert will be remembered for his craftsmanship, faith, service, humor, wisdom, and the many ways he lovingly helped those around him. His family takes comfort in knowing that he is now at peace and home with the Lord.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Robert Powell.

Friends are invited to join the family for visitation and services on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS. Visitation will be for 30 minutes before the service from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m., with the funeral service following at 11:30 a.m. Mr. Powell will be laid to rest at Biloxi National Cemetery.

The service at 11:30 will be live-streamed. See the livestream link just below this obituary. The livestream will start at 11:30.   

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family. Please sign the online guestbook, and share memories at www.riemannfamily.com