Billy Joe "Bill" Colwell

March 26, 1945 - October 23, 2016

Billy Joe Colwell, age 71 of rural Knoxville, and formerly of Albia, Iowa died Sunday evening, October 23, 2016 at his home in rural Knoxville. Visitation for Billy will begin at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at the Winfield Funeral Home in Knoxville. Billy’s family will be greeting friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. A graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, October 27, 2016, at the Union Chapel Cemetery of Monroe County, Iowa, with Chaplin Mike Jaarsma officiating. Billy was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, on March 26, 1945, the youngest son of twelve children to John Levi and Fannie Elizabeth (Mahin) Colwell. Billy was raised in Monroe County and he attended Hiteman Country School. After school Billy began working on farms around Monroe County and later he worked for the Monroe County Road Department as a heavy equipment operator, road maintainer and truck driver. He later worked at Chamberlain Manufacturing, the Monroe County Hospital and Pella Corp. He most recently was truck driving before he retired. On September 14th of 1963 Billy and Patricia Anne Little were united in marriage. They shared 53 years of marriage before Billy’s passing and were blessed with two children: Holly Beth and Billy Joe, Jr. Billy loved the outdoors. He liked working on farms and with his horses. He was an excellent handyman and was the, “Fix It Man”, for the family. He was a former member of the Albia Eagles Club, the Monroe County Saddle Club, and for many years the Colwell’s enjoyed boating at Lake Rathbun. Billy is survived by his wife of 53 years Patricia Colwell; his daughter Holly Beth O’Neal and husband Dan; his son Billy Joe Colwell, Jr. and wife Rose all of Knoxville; and four grandchildren, Krista Colwell, Lane Colwell, Kelsey Colwell, and Alex O’Neal; and many nieces and nephews. Billy is preceded in death by his parents John and Fannie Colwell; 11 brothers and sisters; and his granddaughter Emily Chance. A memorial has been established in Billy’s name to the Hospice of Pella. The Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville is assisting Billy’s family with arrangements. Condolences may be sent to www.winfieldfh.com.