Lance Steven Powell, Sr., 61, of Hartford, departed this life on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at St. Francis Hospital. He was born in Hartford on March 29, 1952 to the late John and Eva Mae (Coleman) Powell and was a 1974 graduate of Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon. Lance was a former physical education teacher at Weaver and Hartford Public High Schools. He was also formerly employed with the Hartford Parks and Recreation Department, Hartford County Sheriff's Department and St. Francis Hospital. "Coach Powell", as he was affectionately called, was a witty, fun-loving guy with a strong sense of fortitude. Lance leaves to cherish his memory, a son, Lance Steven Powell, Jr. of Suffield; a brother, Mark V. Powell of Silver Spring, Maryland; two nephews, Elliot and Marcellus Powell of Silver Spring, Maryland; devoted cousins Barbara T. Pinkston of Orlando, Florida and Kathleen R. Register (his caregiver) of Hartford; a special friend, Jeannine Bell-Redick of Windsor; and a host of other relatives and friends. A special thank you to the medical staff at St. Francis Hospital for the excellent care given to Lance. St. Francis Hospital was his home away from home and he felt love and comfort there. A Homegoing Celebration will be held on Monday, February 24, 11 a.m. at the Third Baptist Church, 188 Kent Ave., Suffield. His family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Interment will be private. 

Published in The Hartford Courant on Feb. 23, 2014