Richard Colwell

MSgt Richard E. Colwell, U.S. Army, Ret., age 83, of Gulfport, passed away on January 22, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his father, Cecil Colwell; his mother, Barbara Colwell; a brother, Jimmy Colwell; and a sister, Eileen McCauley.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Hannelore Colwell; 2 sons, Mark R. Colwell and his wife Michaela Colwell, and Roger E. Colwell and his wife Michelle Colwell; 2 siblings, Samuel J. Colwell and Carol Ann Boydston; 4 grandchildren: Daniel Colwell, Deanna Colwell, Elijah Colwell, and Josiah Colwell; 1 great-grandchild, Peyton Colwell; and other relatives and friends.

Mr. Colwell was a graduate of Leon High School in Tallahassee, FL, received an Associate of Arts Degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from William Carey University. He joined the U.S. Army in 1956 and he served two tours of duty during the Vietnam War. After 20 years of service, he retired as a Master Sergeant in 1976 and was awarded a Silver Star.

He served as pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, Amite, LA, Arlington Baptist Church, Beaumont, MS, East Howard Baptist Church, Biloxi, 2 churches in Germany, Olivet Baptist Church, Gulfport, and Calvary Baptist Church, Yazoo City, MS.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am, Friday, January 29, 2021, at Michael Memorial Baptist Church, Gulfport. A private graveside service will be held in Biloxi National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Michael Memorial Baptist Church iSend Fund.

The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Gulfport, is serving the family and online condolences may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com