Michael David Powell, 33, of Newdale, Idaho, was called home to our Heavenly Father at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his family, on April 28th, 2017. He was lovingly known to everyone as Mikie.

Mikie was born on June 12th, 1983 at Madison Memorial Hospital to Michael and Cindy Smith Powell, of Newdale. He was born with Down Syndrome and the ability to love everyone he came in contact with. He greeted everyone with a handshake or a hug; sometimes both, (especially to the pretty girls). Although his ability to carry a verbal conversation with others was limited, his love for others was easily felt and expressed through loving kindness toward everyone he met. One couldn't help but smile as they were greeted by Mikie.

Mikie was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and received the Aaronic Priesthood. He participated in the scouting program and enjoyed his time socializing with the other boy scouts.

Growing up, Mikie loved to visit others. With a carefree saunter, he would visit neighbors around the town of Newdale and, if he was lucky, would be greeted with a sandwich or tasty snack. He loved the people he grew up around, and they loved him. He could also be found digging for rocks, playing with his Legos, or watching classic movies from the 80's and early 90's in his room.

He was very active growing up. He participated in Special Olympics in track and cross country skiing. He was awarded with ribbons and medals and loved showing them to those he loved and sharing in his accomplishments. He made life-long friends with students he went to school at South Fremont in the Special Education Program. After high school, he went to what is now called The Development Workshop, Inc. in Rexburg, where he spent most of his time in his adult years. He loved learning new things and building new friendships with the staff and other participants. He looked forward to Pizza Friday and shopping at DI and Wal-Mart with the money he earned there; especially if there was soda pop involved.

When Mikie was 18 years old, he started developing more mental health issues that kept him from participating in the physical activities he enjoyed. This did not; however, impede his ability to continue to teach tolerance and love to everyone around him. Mikie took everything in stride and spread joy throughout his entire life. He is reunited in Heaven with his father, Michael James Powell, his paternal grandparents, Francis and Grace Powell, his maternal grandfather, Lawrence Smith, and his uncles Darryl Townsend and Floyd Simper. He is survived by his mother, Cindy Powell, and siblings: Arwen (Jason) Aikele of Shelley; Gwendolyn Moa of Rexburg; Anthony (Katie) Powell of Pocatello, Madalyn (Trevor) Platt of Washington; three nieces, and four nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at the LDS Church in Newdale. The family will receive friends and loved ones on Tuesday, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg (61 N. First E.) and on Wednesday, prior to services, at the church from 10-10:45 a.m. Interment will be in the Wilford Cemetery.