Walter "Tony" Colwell

With laughter in our hearts and a touch of mischief in our eyes, we celebrate the life of Walter “Tony” Colwell, our beloved prankster, singer, dancer, and friend, who left us on May 12, 2024, in Smiths Station, Alabama. Born on October 18, 1941, in Columbus, Georgia, to William A. and Mildred L. Colwell, Tony approached life as a stage for his humor and warmth.

Known for his infectious laugh and endless supply of jokes, Tony was the life of every party. Whether he was recounting outrageous stories or crafting the perfect pun, he never missed a chance to make people smile. Throughout his 83 years, Tony was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served for 23 years with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES).

Tony was not only a master of jokes but also a dedicated husband, father, brother, and friend. He cherished his role as the unofficial family comedian, often reminding us that "you don't stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop laughing."

He leaves behind a trail of laughter and countless cherished memories. Tony is survived by his wife, Keiko “Kay”, and his sister, Victoria Starr Behorel, and will join his son, Tommy and Aunt Betty, in Heaven. He also leaves many loved nieces, nephews, too many friends to count, and 14 cats.

A celebration of Tony's life, complete with his favorite jokes and perhaps a few prank props, will be Sunday August 11th, 2024 at 2:00pm ET at VFW Post 665, 1824 Victory Drive, Columbus, Georgia with Military Honors.. True to his nature, Tony’s family requested that donations be made to an animal rescue of your choice instead of flowers.

Sincere thanks to Mr. David Neuman of San Antonio, TX who flew in to help Kay, and to those with their warm and caring texts, calls, visits, and food offerings.

As we bid farewell to our beloved Tony, we imagine him cracking jokes with the angels or rearranging the stars to spell something utterly preposterous. His legacy of laughter and love will forever lighten our hearts.

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