Cletis Wayne Colwell of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died late Tuesday evening, April 1, 2008, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital at the age of 87 years.

Cletis Wayne Colwell was born on November 2, 1920, near Stark City, Missouri, to Walter Nathaniel and Alta Amanda (Hart) Colwell. He grew up in the Stark City area attending Independence Grade School and Midway High School graduating in 1938. He continued his education by receiving training in building aircraft in Kansas City, Missouri. After completion of the program he moved to California where he worked for Lockheed Aircraft building P-38 airplanes. He married Myrtle Helen Hitzman on May 1, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, and they settled in California. He entered the United States Army serving during World War II. Following his discharge they moved to Blackwell where he joined his father in their farming and dairy operation and continued to farm until his retirement in the late 1990's. He was a member of the Blackwell Church of Christ. He enjoyed animals and visiting with people and sharing stories.

He is survived by his wife, Myrtle Colwell of Blackwell; a sister, Margie Kimbrough of Stark City, Missouri; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Wilma Jean Moore.

Graveside services are scheduled for 3:30 p.m., Friday, April 4th in the Blackwell Cemetery with Lanny Jobe of the Blackwell Church of Christ officiating. Burial will follow in the Blackwell Cemetery. A flag presentation will be presented by the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Blackwell Church of Christ Benevolence Fund in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home.