Kevin Drake Powers

In Loving Memory of Kevin Drake Powers

November 23, 1971 – June 22, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of Kevin Powers, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, mentor, friend, and founder whose impact on countless lives will never be forgotten.

Kevin was born on November 23, 1971, in Pine Ridge, South Dakota and was raised in Rapid City, where he attended Rapid City Central High School, graduating with the Class of 1990. He was the cherished son of Pansy M. Hawk Wing and the late Stephen Drake Powers. He is survived by his siblings, Kenneth "Bo" Richards and Michelle Richards.

Above all else, Kevin was devoted to his family. He shared a beautiful life with his loving wife, Denice Powers, and was an incredibly proud father to Lexus Sandberg (Garth Sandberg) and Kylie Powers (Luke Karlin). Nothing brought him greater joy than being "Pop-Pop" to his treasured granddaughters, London Sandberg and Bristol Sandberg, who were truly the light of his life. Kevin also leaves behind his two dogs, Todd and June, who he put before himself and loved unconditionally for many years.

To so many others, Kevin was much more than a friend; he was a mentor, a teacher, and a steady source of encouragement. He had an extraordinary gift for seeing potential in people before they saw it in themselves. Through his work and the community he built, he inspired countless artists and individuals to pursue their passions, believe in themselves, and leave their own mark on the world.

When he and Denice founded Inksmith Tattoo & Piercing in 2012 in Louisville, Colorado, Kevin created more than a business - he created a family. His artistry lives on in the thousands of tattoos he created, but his true masterpiece was the community of people whose lives he forever changed through his kindness, guidance, generosity, and unwavering belief in others.

Kevin's passing leaves a void that can never truly be filled, but his legacy will endure in every life he touched, every artist he mentored, every story shared, and every piece of living art that carries a part of him forward.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that love like Kevin's does not disappear. It echoes through his family, his friends, his community, and every person fortunate enough to have known him.

He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and never forgotten.

Rest easy, Kevin. Your legacy lives on.”

There will be an open house service Monday July 6, 2026, located at the Chautauqua Community House 301 Morning Glory Dr Boulder, CO 80302. Doors open from 12PM to 5PM the services will begin at 1PM. 

In lieu of flowers that family respectfully requests donation be made to the Go Fund Me Donate here