Earl Colwell's Obituary
Earl Colwell was ushered into eternity on February 5, 2013 at the age of 91. He entered this world March 4, 1921, in Boswell, Oklahoma, born to Ira and Addie (Darnell) Colwell and lovingly raised by 'Etta' Feemster Colwell, following Addie's death. He is survived by his daughters, Karen and Gary Pinson of Sperry, Rita Gates and Carole and Harry Hammell of Tulsa and his sister, JoAnn Smith of Fort Worth, Texas and 14 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 4 great, great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Bernice Colwell, and his eldest daughter, Glenda Stacy.Earl served his country honorably in both World War II and the Korean War. While on mission in the South Pacific during World War II, his platoon, a part of the 55th Battalion, was lost on an unnamed island. After having survived for approximately two months, his platoon was located and rescued. Later in his military service, Earl was specially assigned as aviation maintenance for Gen. Curtis LeMay. While on leave before heading overseas during World War II, Earl met his bride of 59 years, Bernice. The couple married in Wellington, TX on December 9, 1945. They resided for a short while in Fort Worth, Texas before moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma where they raised their family, and later moved to Claremore, Oklahoma upon retirement. Earl enjoyed a rewarding career in the aviation industry, having served for 34 years as an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic for American Airlines. He was an accomplished pilot in his spare time as well. Earl was passionate about songwriting and coined the phrase, 'A song is life set to music.'He was an active member of the Tulsa Songwriters Association. A devout Christian, Earl served as a deacon at Mingo Baptist Church, a men's Sunday school teacher at the First Baptist Church of Claremore, and, later, attended Skelly Drive Baptist Church.A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 9, at 12:30 at Skelly Drive Baptist Church, 8504 E. Skelly Dr., Tulsa. Flowers may be sent to Floral Haven Funeral Home or donations may be made to Clarehouse in memory of Earl Colwell for end of life care
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