About Us

Stephen is from Franklin, Illinois. He graduated from Franklin High School and has a bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University. He furthered his education in 2008 by receiving his mortuary degree from Carl Sandburg. Stephen is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in the state of Illinois.  Growing up on a farm, Stephen spends much time outdoors and still loves being outdoors doing just about anything. He is passionate when it comes to caring for others. His children (Emma and Rawlings) are his pride and joy. His family worships at Beardstown First Christian Church and their daughter attends Beardstown Junior/High School and their son attends Beardstown Christian Academy.  He is a member of Beardstown Elks Lodge #1007. Beardstown Lions Club, and Beardstown TAC club. He also spends as much time as will allow volunteering as a Coach for Beardstown Baseball/Softball Association (AKA Little League). Stephen alongside his wife Abbie, are thrilled for the opportunity to serve the Cass County area. 

Abbie is from Canton, Illinois.  She graduated from Canton High School and has a bachelor's degree from Western Illinois University. She loves to entertain and to care for others. Working alongside her husband Stephen has always been a dream but became a reality with the opening of the Colwell Memorial Home. She also loves being a mother to Emma and Rawlings.  Serving others brings so much joy. Her family worships at Beardstown First Christian Church and their daughter attends Beardstown Junior/Senior Highschool and their son attends Beardstown Christian Academy She volunteers as a member of The Beardstown Lions Club, currently serving as Vice President, for Beardstown Area Special Athletes, serving on the Board of Directors, A member of the Beardstown Professional Women (Also known as The Beardstown ladies) and a member of Beardstown Emblem #474.

A lifelong resident of Beardstown. I consider myself fortunate to have married my late husband Bob; and to have a great son and daughter-in-law, who also live in Beardstown.  I am grateful that they are close by, and that I can share time with them. I look forward to being a volunteer, in service to our community; as Stephen, Abbie, myself, and others work together in their new Memorial Home.  I am excited for our community to now have another new business, to further enhance our small community. I have been a lifelong member of the Beardstown Community of Christ Church, which was the prior owner of the building that now houses the Colwell Memorial Home.  Stephen, Abbie, myself, and others in my church congregation worked closely together, during the process of the Colwells acquiring the Memorial Home building.  I am grateful that I had the opportunity to work with Stephen and Abbie because in the meantime we have become good friends

Dave was born and raised in Beardstown, IL. He is married to Georgeanne, a proud father of 3 children and 9 grandchildren. Dave has devoted his life to serving others. He has always been interested in the Funeral Industry. In his early years he helped at the Cline Funeral Home in Beardstown. He spent 36 years in law enforcement and retired as a 6-term Cass County Sheriff. For 23 years he also was the Deputy Coroner for Cass County. He is a lifetime member of St. Alexius Catholic Church in Beardstown and also serves as the Sexton for the St. Alexius Catholic Cemetery. He is a member of Beardstown Elks B.P.O. Lodge #1007 and the Beardstown Lions Club. In his free time, you can find him out at his farm or spending time with his family. He has no trouble staying busy and enjoys it. “Sheriff Dave” always knows how to keep the Colwell kids in line or help them get in trouble around the memorial home.

John is a lifelong resident of Beardstown. He retired from the United States Airforce, served during the Vietnam War and Desert Storm, also retired from the State of Illinois and Cass County Sheriff's Dept. and now is part-time bus driver for Beardstown School District. John devoted many years to volunteering for the Beardstown Fire Department. He and his wife Kathleen, have 3 grown children and 7 grandchildren. He is a member of the Beardstown First United Methodist Church, a lifetime member of the Beardstown Guthrie-Pierce VFW Post #1239 and a member of the Beardstown Elks B.P.O. Lodge #1007. In his spare time, he enjoys attending his grandchildren’s activities and also working in his wood shop. He is known as “Johnny P” not only to his family but also the memorial homes family. 

Robin is a Beardstown Native. He is a retired Lieutenant from Western Illinois Correctional Center in Mt. Sterling, IL. He is married to Lori, and they are the proud parents of Rachel and Alayna. He is a member of Beardstown First Christian Church, Beardstown Elks B.P.O. Lodge #1007, Guthrie- Pierce VFW Post 1239 Auxiliary, and Beardstown Lions Club. In his spare time, he enjoys working out and spending time with his beloved dog Mia and of course the rest of his family. He has become quite the grill master using his Traeger. He enjoys a good cup of coffee and playing cards. He is known as “Big Deac” around the memorial home. 

Steve was raised in Beardstown IL and is married to Deb Smith. Steve is a retired Lieutenant from Western IL Correctional Center and is a member of the Masons Lodge Cass 23 in Beardstown, Ansar Shrine in Springfield, Il Vally Shrine Club, Keystone Cops, VFW auxiliary post #1239 in Beardstown, and the Elks Lodge #1007 Beardstown. Steve has three children: two sons and a daughter and has three grandchildren. Steve enjoys hunting, fishing, motorcycle riding and working out. 

Mike grew up on a farm in Kinmundy, Illinois. He received his call to ministry the summer after his high school graduation. After graduating from St. Louis Christian College, he served two churches for nearly 42 years of ministry: Kinmundy Christian Church for 12 years and First Christian Church in Beardstown for 30 years. Mike recently retired from full-time ministry but continues to pursue his passion for preaching. He is married to Cassey, his partner in life and ministry for 40 years. Mike is a proud father of three children and “Pawpaw” to five incredible grandchildren. Mike serves on the board and volunteers at the Cass County Food Pantry, and in his free time, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and golfing with his boy. He also loves cruising on his Goldwing Trike with his wife. Mike feels honored to work for Stephen and Abbie and sees it as an opportunity to serve and minister to the community.