House Speaker Melvin Neufeld, a Republican, recalled the impact Rep. Powers made during his 16 years in the Kansas Legislature.

“Many Legislators who worked with Ted will remember him as a colourful character quick with a joke or song. They also knew he had a serious side – especially when it came to public policy that affected Kansas children,” Neufeld said. “You could always count on Ted to let you know what he thought. He was a strong supporter of our public schools and as a former teacher he shared his experiences in the classroom with his fellow lawmakers to help them understand the real needs of Kansas students.” 

“In my many years of working with Ted in the Legislature, I always found him to be sincere, always wanting to do the right thing and I appreciate all he did for his district and for the state of Kansas. His family is in our thoughts and prayers. He will be missed,” Neufeld said.

Voters in the 81^st District first elected Rep. Ted Powers to represent them in the Kansas House of Representatives in 1993. He recently had filed for reelection to the 81^st House District, saying he hoped the voters would continue to give him the honor of representing them.

Rep. Powers served on a number of important committees, most recently as Vice-Chair of the House Elections and Governmental Organization Committee and as a member of the House Federal and State Affairs and Education Committees. The 81^st District includes the cities of Clearwater, Mulvane, Belle Plaine, as well as Ninnescah, Ohio, Gypsum, Rockford, Salem, Belle Plaine, and Gore Townships.

Before his election to the Kansas House, Powers taught music in the Mulvane school district for 36 years.

He leaves behind his wife, Betty Mae and three children. Funeral arrangements are pending.