Joseph Elwood Colwell 74, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Friday, February 2, 2024 in a St. Joseph, MO hospital. He was born November 26, 1949 in St. Joseph, MO, son of the late Jean and Elwood Colwell. He graduated from Lafayette High School, and served first in the United States Navy, then retired from the United States Air Force, after 32 years as a Chief Master Sergeant. He also worked as a paramedic with Mosaic Life Care, and was an instructor with Mosaic. Joe enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, sudoku, and he loved to teach. He was a member of the Community Christian Church serving as a Deacon. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Gerald Colwell. Survivors include: wife, Mary Dale Hamilton-Colwell of the home, step son, Jeff (Rachael) Hamilton, Kearney, MO, grandson, Jordan (Hailey) Hamilton, granddaughter, Maddy Hamilton, three sons, Sean, Michael, and Justin Colwell, and a sister, Norma (George) Morey. Graveside funeral services and Air Force Military Honors will be conducted at 11:00 am Wednesday at the Mount Auburn Cemetery under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Joseph Colwell Memorial Fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home.
