David Jay Powell

David Jay Powell, age 71, of St. George, Utah, passed away on January 19, 2026, at home following a long illness. He was surrounded by his loving family. 

Dave was born on August 18, 1954, in St. Anthony, Idaho, to Dean Jay and Patricia Helen Collett. He graduated from Highland High School in 1972 and went on to teach physical education and special education, as well as coach baseball, football, and basketball for many years. He retired in 2014. 

On March 6, 1976, he married Pamela Dawn Houston. Together for 23 years, they had seven children, sadly losing one child at birth. Despite this heartbreak, they worked through life’s blessings and hardships, raising the remaining six children with love and resilience. 

Later, he began a new chapter in life when he met and married Deborah Hoopes, with whom he shared over 26 years of marriage. They, too, shared many of life’s blessings and hardships together. They did so with an abiding devotion to the teachings of the church and love for their Savior that withstood all the trials related to Dave’s health journey, resulting in a profound deepening of their love and a commitment that never wavered. 

Dave dutifully served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Austria from 1973-1975. He attended Southern Utah State (SUSC) College in Cedar City, Utah, and graduated with a B.S. in secondary education, with a specific focus on physical and special education. He also attended Brigham Young University (BYU) and Idaho State University (ISU) while working on his master’s degree in athletic administration.

Dave coached baseball, football, and basketball for numerous high schools and junior high schools in Utah, Idaho, and Arizona. During his 32 years of coaching, he made a significant and positive impact on his players. He loved coaching his children and his students. 

Aside from being an admired coach, Dave loved fishing, camping, going for long rides, watching sports, and cooking. Most of all, he loved being with his family. He had a quick wit, was a gifted storyteller, and provided wise counsel to his family and friends who benefited from his perspectives and beliefs. 

Dave is survived by his wife, Debbie Powell; children, Aaron Powell, Heather Powell Stanton, Chelsea Powell, Brandt Powell, and Bryce Powell; 18 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and siblings, Tami Powell Henson, Floyd Powell, Jerry Powell, Jayne Powell Ingram, and Jill Powell. He was predeceased by his children, Kristen Powell and Eric Powell; his parents, Dean and Patricia Powell; and his grandchild, Ashdyn Powell. 

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on January 24, 2026, at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.