Nolan J. Powell-Calhoun

Nolan Jaxon Powell-Calhoun, 12, of Fargo, ND, died on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, in his home from a sudden medical event.

Nolan was born on December 28, 2013, in Laguna Hills, CA to Nicalaus and Jasmine (Franklin) Powell-Calhoun. Nolan, the first of four children, was raised in Tustin Ranch, CA before moving to Fargo in 2016. Nolan was an alumnus of Washington Elementary School, attended Ben Franklin Middle School, and was currently a seventh grader at Discovery Middle School in Fargo.

Nolan was a hard working scholar and musician. He was an active, engaged learner in the classroom, and a critical thinker who loved to ask hard questions. Nolan dreamed of attending Howard University one day like his Auntie Nia, and eventually earning his Juris Doctorate or going to seminary to become a pastor. He started piano lessons at age five and was a pianist in the Discovery Jazz Band. He also played the clarinet and sang in choir. Nolan had an angelic voice and loved to break out in song and dance throughout his day.

Nolan was a highly accomplished athlete with a love for football, like his dad, but basketball and swimming were his favorites. He was a strong defender, communicator, leader, and cheerleader on the court. Whether he was beaming his million watt smile, dancing behind the blocks, cheering on his teammates, or winning three pie races in a row (starting the legend of the Pie Guy), Nolan gave swimming his all. His favorite event was a splash and dash, 50 meter freestyle. Nolan was the first competitive swimmer in his family, breaking generations of water trauma, defying history, and doing what he loved in pursuit of his goal to be a collegiate athlete.

Nolan loved Jesus. He was an active participant in Awana and attended Crystal Springs Baptist Summer Camp, one of his favorite places on Earth, twice. He often shared with family that it was easy to forgive because God calls us to do so. Nolan lived his life with conviction and faith. His actions embodied his knowledge, love, and courage in the promises of our Lord and Savior.

Nolan experienced so much in his short life: live sporting events, amusement parks, road trips, international travel, and his first concert. He loved family vacations and we are grateful for the memories we created while traveling as a family. Nolan loved unconditionally, had a servant’s heart, strong resiliency, and deep faith. The love and bond he shared with his immediate family is a reflection of his soul and his faith. Nolan lit up every room he entered and his impact will far surpass his time on Earth.

He is survived by his parents, Nicalaus and Jasmine; siblings, Nova (11), Navy (9), Nash (7); Grandparents, Penny Franklin, Carol and Andre Parks; Aunties and Uncles, Kevin Parks, Thomas Franklin II, Kamry, Nia, N’Dya, and Nehemiah “Aiden” Parks; Cousin, Isaiah Parks.

A Visitation for Nolan will begin at 11:00 AM, Thursday, October 15, 2026, followed by his Funeral Service at 1:00 PM, in Bethel Church, Fargo, ND.

Following the Funeral Service there will be a Celebration of Life Reception for Nolan on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM, in the Empire Sports Complex, 4170 24th Ave N, Fargo.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with Nolan’s family in the Guestbook below his obituary.

(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN)