Marion Eugene Colwell was born on October 18, 1928 in Shenandoah, Iowa, the son of Frank and Blanche (Ingram) Colwell. Marion entered into eternal rest early Monday morning, September 13, 2010 at his home following a brave battle with cancer.
He grew up in Shenandoah where he lived in the north end of town and attended the Shenandoah Public Schools. Marion and his buddies were known as the "Wabash Gang". They spent their time at Waubonsie Park playing ball, making Mulligan stew, playing ice hockey on the creek and fishing and hunting. They all worked together as youngsters at the Mount Arbor Nursery. Marion was able to amaze everyone by whistling through his tongue and was a beautiful singer. Marion and his buddies also spent their time together at Porter's Lake Rolling Rink. Marion and Bud Turnbull once took a dare to hook onto the bumper of a car and rolled into Shenandoah on their skates.
As a teenager, Marion worked for Mount Arbor Nursery. When he quit school in 1943, he worked for his uncle, Jack Funk, hauling freight from the C B & L furniture stores and businesses. Marion later joined the armed services serving in the Army from October 31, 1953 through July 11, 1955. After his military service, he worked for several years painting for Bud Turnbull. He then worked at Lakes Nursery until he retired. After retiring, Marion worked for Ed Laughlin and Mark Laughlin until his health prevented him from working anymore.
On July 20, 1968, Marion was united in marriage to Dorothy Kirk at the Shenandoah Baptist Church. Marion and Dorothy lived in Shenandoah following their marriage until moving to Imogene in 1973.
Marion's hobbies included fishing and he loved to garden. He enjoyed helping and visiting his neighbors. Marion loved his step-children and grandchildren and spending time with them. One of Marion's favorite times of the year was Christmas when his family came to his home and played pitch. Marion enjoyed teaching his grandsons how to drive his old pickup truck when they were young. Marion was a former member of the AMVETS and the Eagles Club.
Preceding Marion in death were his parents; four sisters, Sarah Phipps, Ethel Linquist, Audrey Phipps and Julia (Judy) Casteel; three brothers, Bert, Don and Silas Colwell; and stepson, Bill "Skeeter" Kirk. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Dorothy Colwell of Imogene, IA; sister, Arlis Baucom and husband Kenneth of Shenandoah; stepson, Bob Kirk and wife Dianne of Shenandoah; step-daughter, Ella (Kirk) Staley of Red Oak; step-daughter-in-law, Barb Yeandle of Hinesville, GA; grandchildren, Jeff, Todd and Zach Kirk, all of Shenandoah, Shelly Weissen of Plano, TX, Jason Staley of Omaha, Kevin Staley of Red Oak, and Brian, Tamara, Devon and Scott Kirk, all of Hinesville, GA. He is also survived by family friend, Pam Harris, of Lincoln, NE; along with other relatives and many friends.