Career
Born in Lawrence, Kansas, Powell received an Bachelor of Laws from the University of Washington School of Law in 1925. He was in private practice in Seattle, Washington from 1925 to 1929, and in Kennewick, Washington from 1929 to 1959. He was a Prosecuting attorney of Benton County, Washington from 1931 to 1934 and from 1941 to 1946, serving as city attorney of Kennewick from 1934 to 1944.
Powell was confirmed by the United States Senate on June 16, 1959, and received his commission the following day.
He served as chief judge from 1959 to 1972, assuming senior status on April 21, 1972 and serving in that capacity until his death.