Richard Lee “Rick” Colwell, 73, Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 10:35 a.m. Thursday, June 1, 2017 at his residence.

Richard was born March 13, 1944 in Mishawaka. He was a treasured son of  Dallas Oliver and Jean Lois Grall Colwell.  Growing up, he shared his childhood with two sisters, Linda and Cheryl, and a brother, Roland. Later in life he acquired another brother who shared a mutual admiration through the law enforcement brotherhood, Dewey Jones. Rick was a proud member of the Clay High School class of 1962.

On June 9, 1966 in Pierling, Texas, Rick married the love of his life, Miss Charlcie “Vicki” Bristow.  Together they enjoyed nearly 51 years of life’s adventures. From their union came two daughters and two sons. Over the years the family tree grew with the added blessings of six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Following high school, patriotism beckoned. Rick answered the call serving with the United States Army for more than two decades. After his retirement, he continued to give back, serving as a police officer.   With a servant’s heart he was Chief of the Holland PD, and was a city officer in Gatesville, Texas for 23 1/2 years. During this time he was the school’s DARE officer. He loved the students like they were his own. From his great rapport, he garnered great respect and admiration from the pupils. Following his retirement, he and Vicki returned to Indiana. Rick worked a stint from 2004 – 2010 at the University Park Mall as security director.

 Gifted with woodworking, Rick built a beautiful deck on the back of his home. He and brother Roland enjoyed fishing on Lake 16, especially in the spring when the crappie were peaking. For many years, until recently, Rick was a treasured member of the Fulton County Honor Guard. He enjoyed honoring the veterans in their special and very patriotic way. To relax, he watched police shows and sat and critiqued the officers for their performance.

Richard is survived by his wife Vicki, two daughters, Tammy Smith, of Pella, Iowa;  Linda Vowels and husband Dwain, Columbiaville, Mich; a son, Bobby Jo Rozell, Jacksonville, Texas; six grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; two sisters, Linda A. Humphries and husband William “Bill,” The Villages, Fla; Cheryl J. Copeland and Dick, Garver Lake, Mich; two brothers, Roland G. Colwell and wife Carla, Kewanna;  Dewey Jones and wife Joanne, Gatesville, Texas; his boys, canines: Peanut, a white toy poodle and Mischief, a white and tan peek-a-poo.

Preceding Rick in death are his parents and a son, Billy Wayne Rozell.

A prayer service will be at 3 p.m. Monday, June 5 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18^th St., Rochester. Friends may visit with the family from 2-3 p.m.  Monday.  Military honors will be conducted by the Fulton County Honor Guard and the U.S. Army Honors Team.

Arrangements are being made by Good Family Funeral Home.