Alex Powderly

Alex Timothy Powderly, 17, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, at St. Louis Children's Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born Feb. 12, 2004, in Cape Girardeau to Timothy and Lori Hamm Powderly.

Alex was a senior at Cape Girardeau Central High School, where he was a varsity athlete on the baseball, soccer and football teams. After his illness kept him from playing his beloved sports, he proudly served as one of the "Jungle Leaders" cheering on his former teammates from the sidelines.

Alex was a genuinely caring person with a dynamic personality and a great sense of humor. He had a large circle of friends; he never met a stranger. A perfect day was cruising with friends in a muscle car, blaring '80s rock music, living every day to the fullest. Alex was a car fanatic and could talk about them all day long. A highlight of his life was being able to take his cars to the World Wide Technology Racetrack in St. Louis for a private day of drag racing and blazing around the track. Alex was a talented musician who loved the drums and piano. He also enjoyed playing the saxophone in the Cape Central Jazz Band.

Alex was an inspiration to everyone, demonstrating strength and courage in the most devastating circumstances. He touched many lives in his 17 years on this earth, and although his loved ones' sorrow is overwhelming, they are comforted knowing his suffering is over, and he is in God's arms.

Survivors include his parents, Tim and Lori Powderly; a brother, Grant Powderly; and sister, Lauren Powderly; paternal grandmother, Pearl Powderly of Cape Girardeau; maternal grandparents, Larry and Paulette Hamm of New Hamburg, Missouri.

Alex was preceded in death by his grandfather, Aloysius Powderly.

Friends may call from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Thursday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. Rick Jones as celebrant. A private interment for family will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Alex Powderly Memorial Fund.

In light of the current COVID-19 situation, the family asks that masks be worn at both the visitation and funeral Mass.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.