KTKA

Kansas House of Representatives' Ted Powers (R-Mulvane) passed away Tuesday night surrounded by his family at Via-Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita. He died from complications brought on by a massive stroke suffered Monday night. He was 73 years old.

Speaker Melvin Neufeld (R-Ingalls) recalled the impact Powers made during his 16 years in the Kansas Legislature.

"Many Legislators who worked with Ted will remember him as a colorful 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."

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

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 81st 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.