Eric Joseph Powell, age 37, a lifetime resident of the Colville and Kettle Falls, WA communities, passed away unexpectedly on December 2, 2024 at his home.  Eric was born on May 5, 1987 in Poplar Bluff, MO the son of Keith and Sandra (Sumner) Powell.

He began school in Colville and then his family moved to Kettle Falls.  There he attended second, third and fourth grades before returning to Colville in 1997.  Eric entered the work force early and finished his education with the completion of his GED.  He married Trisha Royer and together they had two beautiful children.  Eric had a flare for cooking and spent many years as a  cook for Café Al Mundo, Lovitt Restaurant and others in Colville.  He also had a natural green thumb and enjoyed working with trees, plants, flowers and anything he could help to grow into something beautiful.  He began at age five learning how to garden with the neighbor and by age seven was often left to care for the garden entirely on his own.  He commuted to Chewelah, WA for a time where he worked on the tree farm alongside his brother, Tim.  Eventually, he found his niche in the greenhouse at Colville Builders and worked his way into the nursery manager's position.  He carried the nick-name "Eric Plantman" and was described as such a friendly, enthusiastic, driven member of the team with the "essence of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, and heart with nature."

When he wasn't working, Eric enjoyed, rock hounding on the river beds and fishing at local lakes and mouth of the Colville River with his children Sireena, Myles and Nykiah.  He found peace and balance in life when he was on the water.  Eric had an unending appetite and had a veracious palate for meats of all kind.  He would drop everything for anyone in need at any hour of the day or night.  His knowledge of plants included the Latin names which he loved to say and share with family and friends.  His crazy food concoctions will be savored for their creativity, flare and one-of-a-kind flavor.

Eric was preceded in death by his grandmother, Angie Sumner, uncle Marv Sumner and aunt Joyce Gregory.

He is survived by his children, Sireena Powell, Myles Powell and Nykiah Powell; parents, Keith and Sandy Powell of Colville, WA, brother, Tim Powell of Spokane Valley, WA; fiancée, Alena Denison and a host of extended family and friends.

The funeral service for Eric will begin at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 12, 2024 at the Momentum Church in Colville, WA.  Eric will be laid to rest at the Summit Valley Cemetery near Addy, WA.  Pastor Sean Wilkerson will officiate.  Memorial contributions may be given to Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 155 W. First Ave., Colville, WA 99114.  Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com.  Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.