Rex Lee Powers

Rex Lee Powers, 91, of Oregon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 10, 2023. He was born in Monclova, Ohio, August 15, 1931, to John and Floy (Double) Powers. On June 29, 1957, Rex married Helen (Christian) who preceded him in death, in 2020.

Rex was a member of the last graduating class from Monclova High School, having attended Monclova Schools for all 12 years. Upon graduation he attended The University of Toledo, graduating with degrees in Biology and Chemistry. While attending the University of Toledo he worked at Willys-Overland, a division of American Motors Corporation, with his brother, Earl. 

He then attended The Ohio State University Medical School at which time Rex accepted a position to work at the City of Toledo’s Water Department as a Chemist-Bacteriologist. In 1964 he joined the City of Oregon, Ohio, Water Department to place the new water plant into operation to supply City of Oregon water as well as parts of Wood, Lucas and Ottawa Counties. In 1969 he placed a newly built contact aeration wastewater facility in operation and 1977 oversaw the construction, stocking and staffing of an 8 MGD Wastewater facility for the City of Oregon.

In 1978, as Commissioner of Water and Wastewater Treatment for the City of Oregon, he was selected “Water Utility Man of The Year” by the Ohio Section of the American Water Works Association. He was also at the time elected to a five year term as a Trustee of the AWWA. Rex was also a member and past President of the Operator Training Committee of Ohio, Inc., a non-profit organization charged with the educational training of water and wastewater department personnel. Also, he served as the water utility representative for a five member Advisory Board of Examiners for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. This group advises the Director of the Ohio EPA on water and wastewater plant classifications and operator personnel certifications. Rex was a Lifetime Member of the Oregonian Club and was honored to be its oldest member, and was a member of Toastmasters International for the purpose of promoting communication, public speaking and leadership.

After retiring in 1990 his main activities were as a volunteer for the Oregon-Jerusalem Historical Society, St. Charles Ombudsman Emergency Room program, Mobile Meals of Toledo, The LPGA Jamie Farr Classic (Marathon Classic, Dana Open) and several German-American Organizations in Oregon, earning the award and title of “Volunteer of the Year”. He was a proud and involved member of the University of Toledo Golden Alumni Association.  Rex and Helen ushered at the restored Valentine Theater and the Stranahan Theater for a number of years, beginning in the 1990’s.

Rex is survived by his son, Rex (Joan) Powers, Mary (Judy Jones); grandchildren, Stephanie (Jeremy) Diekman, Rex (Sara) Powers, Aaron (Olivia) Powers, Daniel Powers; great-grandchildren, Callie, Brady, Abby Diekman and Graham Powers. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Helen: his 4 older and 4 younger siblings.

Funeral services will remain private.  The family asks that expressions of sympathy in Rex’s name be directed to the Oregon Senior Center, or the Oregon-Jerusalem Historical Society.