Silas L. Colwell was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on January 6, 1919, to Henry Francis and Della Blanche (Inghram) Colwell.

The family moved to Shenandoah, Iowa, when Si was a young boy. He and his brothers became friends with Clark Lybarger and his family, who owned the local junk yard. In their spare time, the brothers would help Clark disassemble cars for scrap. Clark would give the boys the headliners from the cars which they took home for Blanche to make coats.

As a teenager, Si worked at Mt. Arbor Nursery. Si and his friends, also known as 'The Wabash Gang', could be found roller skating, dancing or shooting pool. In 1937, 'The Wabash Gang' joined the National Guards, Company E. On February 10, 1941, Company E, 168th Infantry, was called to active duty. PFC Silas L. Colwell served in the Tunisian Theatre during World War II until 1945. While overseas he spent six weeks M.I.A. in Africa.

After returning home, Si went to work painting bridges for Bud Turnbull. After that he painted houses and even spent time as an interior decorator.

In 1972, Si married Penny Coulter in Clarinda, Iowa. They moved to Springfield, Missouri in approximately 1975, where they managed a truck stop and dry cleaners. The couple then spent several years managing motels for Best Western in Missouri, Colorado and Wyoming. They moved to St. Joseph, Missouri, where they managed storage units until they retired back home in Clarinda.

When it became medically necessary, Si and Penny moved into Goldenrod Manor. It was there that Si passed away peacefully on Friday, September 22, 2006.

Si was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Francis and Della Blanche Colwell; four sisters, Julia Williams, Sarah Phipps, Ethel (Sis) Linquist and Audrey Phipps; two brothers, Bert and Don Colwell; son, Lance Aldee; and daughter, Janice Ronai'e.

He is survived by his wife, Penny of Clarinda, IA; son, Martin Colwell of Shenandoah, IA; daughter, Teresa of Omaha, NE; step-daughter, Pat Hopper and husband Gary of Clarinda, IA; step-son, Mike Denny of Clarinda; brother, Marion Colwell and wife Dorothy of Imogene, IA; sister, Arlis Baucom and husband Kenneth of Shenandoah, IA; his grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Graveside memorial services were held on Wednesday, September 27, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Chapel at Rose Hill Cemetery. Words of comfort were given by Pastor Tom Swafford. Attending the memory register was Phyllis Funk. Honorary bearers were all of Silas' comrades of Company E - 168th Infantry. Military rites were accorded by the American Legion Post #88 of Shenandoah. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.