Published on January 16, 2026 3:57 pm
Last Updated on January 16, 2026 4:01 pm
Lawrence Leo Colwell, age 90 of rural Wheeler, Illinois passed away at 5:44 am on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at his home.
Funeral services celebrating Lawrence’s life will be held at 12:00 PM(NOON) – Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois with Nathaniel Colwell officiating. Visitation will be held 10:00-12:00 AM (2 hours) prior to the service. Entombment will be at Bailey Cemetery, rural Latona, Illinois, with full military rites by the Jasper Post #20 American Legion. In loving memory of Lawrence, memorials may be made to the Jasper County Cancer Support Fund. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.
Lawrence was born on December 7, 1935, in Jasper County, Illinois, the son of Oscar and Vernie (Kincaid) Colwell. Lawrence married Evelyn Marie Foster on July 19, 1958, and she preceded him in passing on September 12, 2022. Lawrence and Evelyn had 3 children and they all survive: Bradley Colwell (wife Dawn) of rural Wheeler, Myra Ely (husband John) of rural Wheeler, and Teresa Dodson of California. 11 Grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sister-in-laws Pam Foster and Beverly Laino.
Lawrence was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: James, Gerald, Larry, & Charles Colwell and sisters Stella Roux and Leatha Smallwood.
Lawrence came from the generation where a strong work ethic defined him. He served in the United States Army from 1954-1956 where he was a heavy equipment operator and transporter at Camp Hunter Leggitt in California. He worked in the automotive and trucking industry most of his life, working at Fisher Body in Chicago, then driving semis for various employers in Chicago. Later in his life he worked for Seimer Grain and finished his trucking career with almost 21 years driving for Charles Heuerman Trucking. He retired from driving when he was 80 years old. He was also a 27-year cancer survivor, had one of the best-looking gardens around, and was a good friend and neighbor. He will be sadly missed by his family.