Arthur "Art" Elmer Powell went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 28, 2025, at the age of 78. Art lived in Albany, Oregon, in the same home for 48 years. His death was the result of complications from multiple sclerosis and cancer.

Art was born on April 24, 1947, in Medford, Oregon, to John and Irene Powell. Because his parents were deaf, American Sign Language was his first language. He spent much of his childhood in Terrebonne, Oregon, and graduated from Redmond Union High School in 1965.

Art continued his education at Central Oregon Community College, earning an Associate of Arts degree, and later received a Bachelor of Science degree and a master's degree from Oregon State University in Corvallis. After completing his student teaching at Western View Junior High School, he was hired there as a mathematics teacher. He taught at Western View Junior High School for five years, and then at Crescent Valley High School for 25 years.

Art's life was marked by love, compassion, and an unwavering faith in God. He was a gifted singer who sang at many weddings. He sang first tenor with the Salem Singers, a men's vocal ensemble, for ten years, and was also a member of an Oregon State University choir, touring Europe with the group in 1971.

Art was an active and devoted member of Willamette Community Church, where he faithfully served as a song leader, soloist, Sunday School teacher, deacon, and elder.

He is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 52 years; his daughter Kerri (Dan) and their children Emma and Luke; his son Paul (Anna) and their children Apollo and Elijah; and his son Kurt (Beth) and their children Eleanor, Julia, and Lucy.

A memorial service will be held on January 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Willamette Community Church, 420 SE 3rd Ave, Albany, Oregon, 97321. The family invites all who knew Art to attend and share their favorite memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Albany Christian School, 420 SE 3rd Ave, Albany Oregon, 97321, in Art's memory.