Franklin Delano Colwell, 86, of Galesburg, Illinois died Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Marigold Health Care and Rehab, Galesburg.
Frank was born February 5, 1937 in Galesburg, the son of Robert E. and Marjorie (Swank) Colwell. Frank joined the US Air Force on June 19, 1956 honorably serving for two years and was discharged on August 29, 1958. He married Cecile Marie Shaw on September 27, 1963 in Galesburg. She preceded him in death in 1999.
Frank is survived by four sons, Frank (Mary) Colwell of Mesa, Arizona, Tommy (Debbie) Colwell of Galesburg, Joe (Michelle) Colwell of West Columbia, South Carolina, and Todd Colwell of Galesburg; two daughters, Mary Colwell of Lexington, South Carolina and Mary Hamilton of Moline, Illinois; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Frank is also survived by two brothers, Danny Colwell of Galesburg and Kenneth (Donna) Colwell of Abingdon, Illinois. Along with his wife and parents, Frank was preceded in death by three sisters and five brothers.
Throughout his working life, Frank worked numerous jobs, starting at Independent Cab Company, the sawmill north of Galesburg, the coal mines near Victoria, and spent a majority of his career at Gates Rubber Co. in Galesburg, retiring in 1999. An avid outdoorsman, Frank loved to go fishing and camping. While at home he loved to play video games, especially Pokémon, working on crossword puzzles, and reading.
Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg with funeral services following at 3:00 p.m. Military rites will be conducted by the Knox County Honor Guard. Cremation will be accorded following the funeral. Private family burial will be at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to assist with funeral expenses. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
