Terrence "Terry" Louis Colwell

MSG (Ret) Terrence “Terry” Louis Colwell, son of the late David and Elizabeth (Kazmierczak) Colwell, was born November 1, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois. As a young boy, Terry grew up in the Chicago area and graduated from Chicago Catholic School. Terry enlisted in the United States Army and spent the next 26 years serving his country faithfully. He attained the rank of Master Sergeant and earned several awards and commendations; which include: Rifle M16-Expert Badge, Hand Grenade Expert Badge, Pistol .38 Caliber Expert Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon “3”, Army Commendation Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Army Service Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon “3”, Good Conduct Medal (8th Award), Army Achievement Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster) and Meritorious Service Medal. After retiring from the military, Terry continued to serve his county by working in military intelligence and did so for 20 years. On August 14, 1982, Terry was united in marriage to Yong Cha Chong in El Paso, Texas. They shared over 32 years of marriage together and many wonderful memories. Terry was blessed with three children: Joe, Michelle and Theresa. He loved them tremendously and enjoyed getting to spend time with them and especially the grandchildren. In his spare time, Terry enjoyed cooking, telling old jokes and was a tremendous tour guide. He was a huge fan of Elvis; he loved listening to his music and watching his movies. Terry passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2014 in the University of Missouri Hospitals and Clinics of Columbia, Missouri having attained the age of 71 years. Terry leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Yong Colwell of Germany; three children: Joe Colwell (Kathy) of Surprise, AZ, Michelle Maximoff (Don) of Watseka, IL and Theresa Medina (Edwin) of Columbus, OH; eight grandchildren: Stephanie, Jennifer, Hayley, Brandon, Melissa, Edwin Jr., Jaylen and Elijah; one great grandchild: Emelia; three siblings: Elizabeth Schaumburg (Rudy) of Rockford, IL, Tom Colwell (Sharon) of Elgin, IL and Tony Colwell (Anne) of San Jose, CA; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Even though Terry is gone from our sight, he will forever be in our hearts. As Terry would say, “Terry has left the building”. Services were held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 22, 2014 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Chaplain Fr. Mark Mustin officiating. The songs “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art” were played. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Terry Colwell to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation and may be left at the funeral home.

Terrence "Terry" Louis Colwell

November 1, 1942 - September 17, 2014