Obituary for Raymond Colwell
Raymond “Papaw” Colwell, 88, of Salem, passed peacefully at his home on Monday, August 10, 2020.
He was born on July 17, 1932, to the late Estes and Myrtle Colwell in Yerkes, Ky. Raymond was known as an exceedingly kind and honest man and was also known for his sense of humor. He faithfully served his country in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict on board the USS Dionysus AR-21. He attended and was a faithful member of Halesford Baptist Church in Moneta, Va. where numerous friendships were made. Raymond thoroughly enjoyed traveling. Even the occasional day trips, but he especially his trips to Canada with his siblings to do a little fishing. When he wasn’t traveling, you may have found him just walking about or visiting folks at the Salem VA Medical Center; or possibly even bird watching. He loved talking to the birds! He also had a very steady and patient hand when it came to wood working. Raymond was an incredibly detailed carpenter who simply enjoyed building things for those he loved. He was the type of person that left a smile on your face upon leaving. Above all, he will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be missed!
In addition to his parents, Raymond was preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Maxine C. Colwell; daughters, Regina Colwell and Anna Mae Richardson; brothers, James Monroe, Arvel, Bob, and Estes Colwell, Jr.; and sisters, Juanita Stidham, Freda Stidham, Carlie Stollings, Murel Amburgey, Effie Colwell, and Thelma Bush.
Family remaining to cherish his memory includes his children, Daniel Colwell, Sr. and wife, Norma, of Salem; daughter, Alice Roope, of Salem; brother, Michael Colwell and wife, Rise, of Marion, Ind.; sister, Telvis Ashenfelter, of Cleveland, Tenn.; 10 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and his son-in-law, William Richardson, of Franklin County, Va.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 13, 2020, form 6 until 8 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. Wearing of facial masks and social distancing is required per state regulation. Funeral Services to honor Raymond’s life will be available via webcast by visiting his obituary page at www.johnmoakey.com on Friday, August 14, 2020, at 10 a.m. In person attendance is private.
Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.
He was born on July 17, 1932, to the late Estes and Myrtle Colwell in Yerkes, Ky. Raymond was known as an exceedingly kind and honest man and was also known for his sense of humor. He faithfully served his country in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict on board the USS Dionysus AR-21. He attended and was a faithful member of Halesford Baptist Church in Moneta, Va. where numerous friendships were made. Raymond thoroughly enjoyed traveling. Even the occasional day trips, but he especially his trips to Canada with his siblings to do a little fishing. When he wasn’t traveling, you may have found him just walking about or visiting folks at the Salem VA Medical Center; or possibly even bird watching. He loved talking to the birds! He also had a very steady and patient hand when it came to wood working. Raymond was an incredibly detailed carpenter who simply enjoyed building things for those he loved. He was the type of person that left a smile on your face upon leaving. Above all, he will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, and friend to many. He will be missed!
In addition to his parents, Raymond was preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Maxine C. Colwell; daughters, Regina Colwell and Anna Mae Richardson; brothers, James Monroe, Arvel, Bob, and Estes Colwell, Jr.; and sisters, Juanita Stidham, Freda Stidham, Carlie Stollings, Murel Amburgey, Effie Colwell, and Thelma Bush.
Family remaining to cherish his memory includes his children, Daniel Colwell, Sr. and wife, Norma, of Salem; daughter, Alice Roope, of Salem; brother, Michael Colwell and wife, Rise, of Marion, Ind.; sister, Telvis Ashenfelter, of Cleveland, Tenn.; 10 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and his son-in-law, William Richardson, of Franklin County, Va.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 13, 2020, form 6 until 8 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. Wearing of facial masks and social distancing is required per state regulation. Funeral Services to honor Raymond’s life will be available via webcast by visiting his obituary page at www.johnmoakey.com on Friday, August 14, 2020, at 10 a.m. In person attendance is private.
Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.