Robert Alan Powell
December 20th, 1942 - April 10th, 2024
Vacaville, CA
It is with heavy hearts we share that Robert Alan Powell, 81, passed away in his home the morning of April 10th, 2024 with his wife Mardell and dog by his side. He left behind family and friends who will love him, admire him, and miss him always. He was born in Theresa, New York on December 20th, 1942 and after many Air Force Base moves with his parents, they finally settled in Arvada, Colorado. Following in his Father’s footsteps, Bob enlisted in the Air Force and was deployed to Japan shortly after. His love for music was ever-present and even played the trumpet throughout his time in the Air Force.
Robert returned stateside to Travis Air Force Base and started playing with his band, The Notations. The same night that The Notations won the Battle of the Bands at Andrew’s Park -- August 31st, 1963 -- he met the love of his life, Mardell. The beginning of an epic love story, Bob and Mardell were married just over a year later on October 2nd, 1964. Two boys, two daughters-in-law, two granddaughters, and many more loved ones later, they’ve never looked back. This October they would have celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary.
In 1965 he joined the Vacaville Fire Department where he made an everlasting impact on the department and the people he worked with. He rose through the ranks to become Fire Chief in 1981 and oversaw many innovations. Chief Powell was a driving force in building new fire stations throughout Vacaville, as well as improvements to their EMS service. Chief Powell was described as a “firefighters fire chief” and he was proud to have worked with the Vacaville Fire Department.
After he retired from the VFD in 1993, he was far from finished with his decorated career. He opened the first recording studio in Vacaville, Mardell Productions. He turned his love and passion for music into a business. While the studio lasted only a couple of years, Bob never stopped recording and supporting local musicians including his granddaughter, Jordan.
Robert joined the Office of Emergency Services in 1999 and worked closely with the Solano County Sheriff’s Department until his retirement in 2012. He served as the Emergency Services Manager and spearheaded the development of many programs and emergency plans that are still in effect today.
To know Robert was to love him; whether you called him Dad, Paca, Uncle Bob, Bob, or Chief, he was sure to have made an impact on your life. He was not only a keystone for his family, but he was a pillar in the community, his support of local artists and programs, his involvement with Fiesta Days, and his duty to this town and community were his drive until his last days on earth.
He is survived by his wonderful wife Mardell, his two sons Bobby (Julie), and Rick (Angie); his brothers-and-sisters-in-law Howard (Laura) Wood, Robin (Mona) Wood, Stormy (George) Burton, and Gale (Rick) Keune; his Colorado Siblings Ron (Donna) Powell, and Diana (Bob) Shelton; his granddaughters Taylor Marie and Jordan Rose; his twelve nieces and nephews, Lisa (Mike) Watkins, Michelle Neitz, Kristy Wood, Jason (Patty) Keune, David Keune, George (Brittney) Burton, Kris (Kim) Powell, Trisha (Bryon) Cordova, and Barb (Rick) Morger, and his seventeen great nieces and nephews.
A Viewing will be held Sunday, April 21st at McCune’s Garden Chapel at 212 Main St, Vacaville, CA 95688 from 1 pm - 4 pm.
His service will be at 10 am on Monday, April 22nd at Trinity Baptist Church located at 401 W Monte Vista Ave, Vacaville CA 95688. Graveside service will follow at Elmira Cemetery located at 522 Elmira Rd, Vacaville, CA 95688. We will then return to Trinity Baptist Church on W Monte Vista for a reception from 1 pm - 4 pm.