Sept 2021
Billy Powell, Powell Plant Farm
We are saddened to share the passing of longtime industry leader and past President of the Texas Association of Nurserymen (TAN), Billy Powell of Powell Plant Farm in New Summerfield, Texas. Billy passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at the age of 87.
Billy’s legacy is one deeply rooted in passion, innovation, and service. What began as a single greenhouse and roadside stand grew into one of the largest nursery operations in Texas—at one time, second only in size to any in the nation. His influence extended far beyond production. As a TAN President, a familiar face in grower publications, and a recipient of many industry recognitions, Billy helped shape what professional horticulture looks like in Texas today.
But Billy was more than a successful nurseryman. He was a rancher, a world traveler, a skilled cook (famous for his “cathead” biscuits and ribeyes), and a man who poured his heart into everything he touched—from cattle and deer breeding to mentoring those around him. He never stopped striving for excellence and was always willing to share his wisdom with the next generation.
Billy is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Ada Ruth, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many dear friends, colleagues, and extended family members who were blessed to know him. He was preceded in death by his three sons—Barry, Cliff, and Randy Powell—but his legacy continues through the lives he impacted and the industry he helped build.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Powell family and all who had the privilege to work alongside Billy. His commitment, leadership, and character will not be forgotten.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, September 12, 2021, at Central Baptist Church in Jacksonville, with burial at McDonald Cemetery in New Summerfield.
May he rest in peace, and may we honor his legacy by continuing to grow with the same purpose and excellence he modeled throughout his life.
Billy’s legacy is one deeply rooted in passion, innovation, and service. What began as a single greenhouse and roadside stand grew into one of the largest nursery operations in Texas—at one time, second only in size to any in the nation. His influence extended far beyond production. As a TAN President, a familiar face in grower publications, and a recipient of many industry recognitions, Billy helped shape what professional horticulture looks like in Texas today.
But Billy was more than a successful nurseryman. He was a rancher, a world traveler, a skilled cook (famous for his “cathead” biscuits and ribeyes), and a man who poured his heart into everything he touched—from cattle and deer breeding to mentoring those around him. He never stopped striving for excellence and was always willing to share his wisdom with the next generation.
Billy is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Ada Ruth, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many dear friends, colleagues, and extended family members who were blessed to know him. He was preceded in death by his three sons—Barry, Cliff, and Randy Powell—but his legacy continues through the lives he impacted and the industry he helped build.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Powell family and all who had the privilege to work alongside Billy. His commitment, leadership, and character will not be forgotten.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, September 12, 2021, at Central Baptist Church in Jacksonville, with burial at McDonald Cemetery in New Summerfield.
May he rest in peace, and may we honor his legacy by continuing to grow with the same purpose and excellence he modeled throughout his life.
May 21, 2023
Kevin Long, Regional Territory Manager for Berger
Life
Kevin Long went to walk the golden streets of Heaven on May 21, 2024. He was the Regional Territory Manager for Berger (serving Texas), where he was awarded several top salesmen awards and was employed for twenty-three years. He enjoyed many activities and hobbies, including hunting, camping, riding his motorcycle, traveling, riding bulls, and doing leather works and crafts. Kevin enjoyed working and solving problems, building things, and fixing almost anything.
He was an avid Oklahoma State Cowboys fan and enjoyed going to Cabela's and spending time with his friends and family.
He showed livestock in FFA, locally, state, and nationally, and won numerous Champion and Grand Champion Awards. He also won the Southwest District Agribusiness Award in FFA, achieved his State FFA Degree, and was an FFA Officer at the local level. He was a member of the Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program, where they traveled to China.
He liked pulling pranks on his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He started his horticultural path at the Plaza Garden Center under the guidance of Guy Hylton who became a great mentor for Kevin.
Kevin Long went to walk the golden streets of Heaven on May 21, 2024. He was the Regional Territory Manager for Berger (serving Texas), where he was awarded several top salesmen awards and was employed for twenty-three years. He enjoyed many activities and hobbies, including hunting, camping, riding his motorcycle, traveling, riding bulls, and doing leather works and crafts. Kevin enjoyed working and solving problems, building things, and fixing almost anything.
He was an avid Oklahoma State Cowboys fan and enjoyed going to Cabela's and spending time with his friends and family.
He showed livestock in FFA, locally, state, and nationally, and won numerous Champion and Grand Champion Awards. He also won the Southwest District Agribusiness Award in FFA, achieved his State FFA Degree, and was an FFA Officer at the local level. He was a member of the Oklahoma Ag Leadership Program, where they traveled to China.
He liked pulling pranks on his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He started his horticultural path at the Plaza Garden Center under the guidance of Guy Hylton who became a great mentor for Kevin.
May 30, 2024
Gordon W. Domaschk
Gordon W. Domaschk, 78, died peacefully on Saturday, March 30, 2024, after a brief but intense battle against leukemia and heart valve failure.
In the early 1970s, Gordon made his way to Austin, began work at Tarrytown Florist, and discovered his passion and soon-to-be profession. He opened Gordon’s Landscaping in Austin and dove headfirst into the green industry as a business owner and entrepreneur, serving as President of the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association from 1984 to 1985. In 1987, Gordon began work for Rosewood Property Company in Dallas. He moved to Hawaii for eighteen months to supervise the landscape installation at the Hotel Hana Maui. Once complete, he returned to Dallas to oversee Rosewood’s in-house landscaping division, which included landmark properties like The Crescent and The Mansion on Turtle Creek. Rosewood downsized in 1992, and Gordon was given the opportunity to purchase the landscape division and create Turtlecreek Landscape Services.
In the early 1970s, Gordon made his way to Austin, began work at Tarrytown Florist, and discovered his passion and soon-to-be profession. He opened Gordon’s Landscaping in Austin and dove headfirst into the green industry as a business owner and entrepreneur, serving as President of the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association from 1984 to 1985. In 1987, Gordon began work for Rosewood Property Company in Dallas. He moved to Hawaii for eighteen months to supervise the landscape installation at the Hotel Hana Maui. Once complete, he returned to Dallas to oversee Rosewood’s in-house landscaping division, which included landmark properties like The Crescent and The Mansion on Turtle Creek. Rosewood downsized in 1992, and Gordon was given the opportunity to purchase the landscape division and create Turtlecreek Landscape Services.
May 2, 2025
John T. Nickel Chairman of the Board of Greenleaf Nursery Company
It is with deep respect and heavy hearts that we honor the life of John T. Nickel, Chairman of the Board of Greenleaf Nursery Company, who passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
John was not only a visionary nurseryman and conservationist, but also a longstanding and dedicated member of the TNLA family. Since 1972, Greenleaf Nursery Co. has been a TNLA member—marking over five decades of unwavering support and leadership in our industry. The company has exhibited at Nursery/Landscape EXPO for 52 consecutive years, a commitment that speaks volumes to John’s belief in advancing horticulture through shared knowledge and community.
John’s contributions to our association extended beyond the business he built. Greenleaf is part of TNLA’s Circle of Legends, an honor reserved for those whose influence and service have left an indelible mark on our industry. His entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to excellence, and passion for preserving the beauty of the natural world reflected the very heart of TNLA’s mission.
Born in Muskogee, Oklahoma in 1935, John’s love of horticulture took root early. At just 22 years old, he founded Greenleaf Nursery Co. on the shores of Lake Tenkiller, growing it into one of the largest wholesale producers of shrubs, trees, and container-grown plants in the U.S. His legacy lives on not only through Greenleaf’s continued success but through the lives he touched, the natural spaces he preserved, and the generations he inspired.
John’s achievements were many—Entrepreneur of the Year, founder of the J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve, inductee into both the Tulsa and Oklahoma Halls of Fame—but to those in our community, he was also a generous leader, a loyal friend, and a fierce advocate for the green industry.
Our thoughts are with his wife Julie, his five children, grandson, extended family, and the over 1,000 employees at Greenleaf who John proudly considered part of his extended family. We are grateful for the impact John had on our association, our industry, and our world.
May his legacy continue to bloom.
John was not only a visionary nurseryman and conservationist, but also a longstanding and dedicated member of the TNLA family. Since 1972, Greenleaf Nursery Co. has been a TNLA member—marking over five decades of unwavering support and leadership in our industry. The company has exhibited at Nursery/Landscape EXPO for 52 consecutive years, a commitment that speaks volumes to John’s belief in advancing horticulture through shared knowledge and community.
John’s contributions to our association extended beyond the business he built. Greenleaf is part of TNLA’s Circle of Legends, an honor reserved for those whose influence and service have left an indelible mark on our industry. His entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to excellence, and passion for preserving the beauty of the natural world reflected the very heart of TNLA’s mission.
Born in Muskogee, Oklahoma in 1935, John’s love of horticulture took root early. At just 22 years old, he founded Greenleaf Nursery Co. on the shores of Lake Tenkiller, growing it into one of the largest wholesale producers of shrubs, trees, and container-grown plants in the U.S. His legacy lives on not only through Greenleaf’s continued success but through the lives he touched, the natural spaces he preserved, and the generations he inspired.
John’s achievements were many—Entrepreneur of the Year, founder of the J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve, inductee into both the Tulsa and Oklahoma Halls of Fame—but to those in our community, he was also a generous leader, a loyal friend, and a fierce advocate for the green industry.
Our thoughts are with his wife Julie, his five children, grandson, extended family, and the over 1,000 employees at Greenleaf who John proudly considered part of his extended family. We are grateful for the impact John had on our association, our industry, and our world.
May his legacy continue to bloom.
July 14, 2025
Ken Fowler, Founding Partner of Rialto Studio
TNLA extends our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ken Fowler, who passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 78.
Ken was one of the three founding partners of Rialto Studio, a landscape architecture firm that has left a lasting mark on communities throughout Texas. Although he retired several years ago, Ken’s contributions to the profession—and the people he worked with—continue to resonate.
His legacy is reflected not only in the spaces he helped design but in the generations of professionals who benefited from his leadership, vision, and dedication to the craft.
To learn more about Ken’s life and work, please visit his official obituary here.
Our thoughts are with the entire Rialto Studio community during this time of loss.
Ken was one of the three founding partners of Rialto Studio, a landscape architecture firm that has left a lasting mark on communities throughout Texas. Although he retired several years ago, Ken’s contributions to the profession—and the people he worked with—continue to resonate.
His legacy is reflected not only in the spaces he helped design but in the generations of professionals who benefited from his leadership, vision, and dedication to the craft.
To learn more about Ken’s life and work, please visit his official obituary here.
Our thoughts are with the entire Rialto Studio community during this time of loss.
