Col. (Ret) US Army Elwood Howard Shemwell

Col. (Ret) US Army Elwood Howard Shemwell passed away December 17, 2020 at his home in Copperas Cove, Texas. He was 98 years old. Elwood, also known as “Woody,” was born on October 3, 1922 and raised on a wheat ranch in Walla Walla, Washington.

While serving as a commissioned officer in the US Army in Europe during and post-World War II occupation he met his wife of 59 years, Genevieve “Gen” Kavanaugh. After the war, he completed his BS in Military Science, and later earned a MS in International Affairs with postgraduate work in Personnel Management at George Washington University. A career United States Army officer of thirty years, he was awarded the Silver Star, Legion of Merit w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters and Bronze Star w/V Device & 2 Oak Leaf Clusters during World War II and the Soldier’s Medal in Vietnam. He attended the Army War College, the Army Command and General Staff College, US Army Management School and US Army Aviation School. He retired as a Colonel, the Chief of Staff, III Corp Fort Hood, TX having held senior command positions and other key assignments including Brigade Commander. Awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, he was inducted into the National Infantry Museum Hall of Fame in 2016.

Upon his retirement from the military in 1974 his family made their home in Copperas Cove, Texas. His dedication to the community and the military continued as Dean at Central Texas College (CTC). After more than 25 years he retired as Deputy Chancellor of CTC. Afterwards, Woody was appointed to the CTC Board of Trustees where he functioned as both Vice-Chair and Treasurer. He served on the CTC Foundation until 2019. He was honored by the City of Copperas Cove with March 23, 2016 proclaimed, “Elwood Shemwell Day.” In June 2019, the Rotary Club dedicated a pavilion located at the City Park Pool to Woody Shemwell. Then 96 years old, he was the Noon Rotary Club’s oldest long time member. A lifelong outdoorsman, he especially loved bird hunting and working with his dogs. There are many stories regarding those dogs that he saw as his extended family. In 2012 he married Neva Moten. Woody was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Woody leaves a legacy of service, patriotism, and civic duty setting a high standard of excellence.

Elwood is survived by his devoted wife, Neva, five children and their spouses; Scott, Katy, Texas; David and Alesha, Newcastle, Washington; Nancy, Dallas, Texas; Paul, League City, Texas; and Robert “Bob” and Jennifer, San Antonio, Texas, eight grandchildren; niece, Cheryl Loney; stepson Joel O'Bryan. He is preceded in death by his wife, Genevieve, parents, Floyd and Bessie, daughter, JoAnne Cyr and great grandson, Luke Cyr.

Visitation will take place from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, Copperas Cove, TX, Tuesday, December 22, 2020. Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, Copperas Cove, TX on Wednesday, December 23, 2020. Interment will follow at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CTC Elwood H. Shemwell Endowed Scholarship at Central Texas College Foundation, P.O.Box 1800, Killeen, Texas 76540-1800.