July 3, 1930 - April 12, 2021
Herbert “Herb” Colwell born July 3, 1930, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in
Tucson, Arizona, on April 12, 2021, at the age of 90 years. He was better know as “Daddy”
“Grandpa” and “Dad”.
Herb was a special kind of man. He lived by his word and his word was his honor. He was a very
kind and thoughtful man with unique skills. Herb could make saddles, work on cars, fix roofs,
coolers, and just about anything else he came into contact with that was broken. He treated injured
wild animals, talked to the quail, and loved being in the Arizona desert. He laughed easily, kept his
temper in check (unless he was dealing with the telephone company) and always had good advice
for those of us that went to him in a quandary. He taught those he loved many of those skills and
passed on the traits he lived by to both his son and daughter.
Herb met the love of his life, Dorothy Dell Henderson, on a blind date. Herb and Dorothy had a
mutual friend that “hooked them up.” They dated a short period of time and Herb asked Dorothy
to marry him. She, of course, said “sure, after you ask my daddy.” They were married in 1954 and
remained happily married for 53 years. Together, they had two children: Kevin Colwell and
Kimberly Colwell.
Herb is survived by his twin sister, Helen, sister Ruth and brother Earl. He is also survived by his
children, Kevin Colwell (Starla J. Kiggins-Colwell) and Kimberly Colwell-Cleary (Dana Joel
Cleary). Herb left the legacy of too many grandchildren to count and an entire new generation of
great-grandchildren. Each and every one of those grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a very
special place in his heart and he in theirs.
Herb was preceded in death by his loving wife, Dorothy, his brother Ottis, and sisters May and
Violet.
Herb was a Korean War veteran and will be interred with military honors on May 15, 2021, at 10:30
a.m., grave side at East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery located at 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson,
AZ 85712. Pursuant to Herb’s wishes, and due to the Covid virus restrictions, there will be no
visitation or gathering for a celebration of life.
Kevin and Kim invite each and every one of you to write a memory or share something that you may
have experienced or shared with Herb. You may also choose to say a little something at the
interment ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions be made to Wounded Warriors or Tunnel to
Towers.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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