Mexborough and Swinton Times December 9, 1939

Obituary – Mr Douglas Powell

The death of Mr. Douglas Powell, younger son of Mrs. and the late Mr. A. Powell, 50 Doncaster Road, Wath-on-Dearne, removes a popular figure from Wath St. James’s Church.

Mr. Powell who was 28, died after only a short illness in the Mexborough. Montagu hospital last Thursday. He was at Manvers Main Colliery until he was 21, and had been since,up to the time of his death, with Messrs. Waddington Bros, West Street, Wath.

He joined the choir at St. James’s church when he was seven, and for several years had been cross bearer. He had been associated with Wath. Church Fellowship since its inception and had been a member both of St. James’s Church Council and the Parochial Church Council.

The body was borne to St. James’s Church, for the funeral service on Monday by four personal friends, Messrs. M. Flint, W. Cummings, H. Cook and G. W. Smalley. It was met by St. James’s choir, who also, after the service, formed a guard of honour at the church gates. The officiating clergymen were the Vicar of. Wath, the Rev. B. Russell, and the Rev. F. J. Mace. During the service, Mr. Powell’s cassock and surplice rested on the coffin.