Lawrence Powell

Published in the Fresno Bee on 5/28/2008.

"Lefty" Lawrence Milton Powell was born on July 14, 1914, to Samuel and Ruth Powell at their home in Dinuba. Larry peacefully went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 23, 2008. He will be deeply missed and remembered for his strong devotion to family and friends.

After high school graduation he helped run the family farm until 1937. That year the San Francisco Seals had spring training in Hanford, so Larry decided to tryout and was signed to play with the Seals. In 1939, Larry and Domonic Dimaggio were sold to the Boston Red Sox.

In 1941, he received his draft notice. He spent five years serving in the 689th Field Artillery Battalion as a 1st Sergeant before returning to baseball. Upon his return he played in Minor League Baseball until he retired in the early 1950's.

He spent the rest of his working years farming. Larry enjoyed fly fishing almost as he did baseball. He was a great influence on his nephews, teching them to tie flies and enjoy the sport as much as he did.

Larry was very active in his community. He belonged to the United Methodist Church, Dinuba Rotary Club, a 69 year member of the Masonic Lodge, Board of Directors for Central California Assoc. of Farmers, Associated Farmers of America, and Fresno County Farm Bureau. Larry was also enshrined into the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame in 1972, and the Reedley High School Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000. He was instumental in forming the Hot Stove League in Reedley.

Larry was preceded in death by his loving wife, Janet; and stepson, Nathan "Mick" Mitchum; and brothers, Robert and Howard Powell.

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Palm Village for demonstrating unselfish love, patience, and grace while caring for Larry. Larry is survived by his stepson, Steven Mitchum and his wife Julie; sons, Danny and Adam; grandson, Logan; stepdaughter-in-law, LeAnn Mitchum; brother, Dr. Stanley Powell and his wife Lee; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Cairns Funeral Home, 940 'F' Street, Reedley, Ca., on Thursday, May 29, 2008, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the United Methodist Church, 1461 11th Street, Reedley on Friday, May 30, 2008, at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow at the Reedley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the United Methodist Church, or the J. Howard Powell Scholarship Fund at Reedley College, 995 N Reed Avenue, Reedley, Ca., 93654. CAIRNS FUNERAL HOME 940 'F' Street Reedley, Ca. (559)638-2233