RICHARD COLWELL

Richard E. Colwell, 78, of Deshler, died Wednesday, April 26, in the Northcrest Nursing Home, Napoleon.

He was born Oct. 16, 1916, in Deshler to Richard E. and Carrie (Hutter) Colwell. He married Margaret Lou Parker on Sept. 6, 1938, and she died Aug. 21, 1950. He married Joyce A. Snyder on Dec. 31, 1951, and she died Oct. 13, 1990.

Mr. Colwell retired in 1978 after 25 years as an electrical engineer in the construction field. He studied at Rutgers University and Dartmouth College, and graduated from the University of Michigan's College of Engineering with a bachelor's degree in engineering physics. He became a registered professional engineer in Ohio in 1951, and was elected to senior membership in the Institute of Radio Engineers.

He was a World War II Navy veteran, serving three and a half years as instrumentation officer on the Underwater Experimental Program at Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Va. He retired from the Naval Reserve In 1961 as a lieutenant commander.

Mr. Colwell was a member of Deshler American Legion Post 316 and its 40 & 8 organization; the DAV; St. John United Church of Christ, Holgate; the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; the National Professional Engineering Society; the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers; the National Rifle Association, the Henry County and Ohio historical societies, and the Henry County and Ohio genealogical societies.

Surviving are his son, Richard D., of Deshler; daughter, Mrs. Dennis D. (Christy) Myers, of Deshler; two grandchildren; brothers, John, of Deshler, and Robert, of Pembervllle, and sister, Catherine Mitchell, of Deshler.

Funeral services were held April 29 in the church, with the Rev. Steven Trimble officiating. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Deshler.

Memorials made be made to Henry County Hospice or Deshler EMS.

Arrangements were handled by Dubbs-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler.