Donald W "Don" Colwell

Donald Wallace Colwell, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning of Sunday, August 2, 2026.

Don was born November 4, 1936 in Detroit, Michigan to Eva Mae (Cope) and Wallace Andrew Colwell.

Following his high school graduation, Don attended the University of Michigan before meeting his first wife Joanne during his summer vacation in Santa Barbara, California. The two married on December 28, 1957 in Montecito. They lived in Oceano while Don worked for Pacific Finance.

In 1960, the couple and their first son, Barry, moved east to Michigan. In the years that followed, they welcomed a daughter, Cheryl (born on Don’s 25th birthday) and their second son, Dean. Don and Joanne raised their family in Royal Oak but spent summers on Lake Huron at the family cottage, set on a stretch of lakeshore that has been in the family since the 1880s.

Don pursued his degree at Wayne State University while working in mortgage banking and commercial real estate with Manufacturers/Comerica Bank where he achieved the role of Vice President.

Don retired early at age 55, he and Joanne built their retirement home on the family property beside Lake Huron. In retirement, Don enjoyed watching the sunrises, listening to the waves at night, playing cards, floating at the sandbar, telling stories and spending time with his family. Every winter, he and Joanne spent a few months back in Santa Barbara, visiting his son, Barry, and enjoying the beaches.

After losing Joanne to cancer in 2004, Don was fortunate enough to find love for a second time. He married Sue Ann Arquette in 2008. The two continued the tradition of visiting California for much of the winter and spent the autumn months at the Arquette family cabin, the “Hut Sut”.

Don attended Lakeshore Presbyterian Church and was a loyal member of Kiwanis for over 60 years, serving as a member in Santa Maria and Port Huron, and as President of the Detroit #1 Club.

He will be remembered for his stories, generosity, desire to laugh, and his love of sweets which were often shared with his loyal Cavalier Spaniel, “Wiggy”, whenever she’d bring him his morning paper.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sue Ann (Arquette); his three children, Barry (Jesse) Colwell, Cheryl (Ric) Moote and Dean (Laura) Colwell; three step-children, Tom (Deb) Arquette, Rod (Katie) Arquette and Amy (Bud) Donbrosky; four granddaughters, Jennifer (Kyle) Schaeffer, Kelley (Reggie) Jackson, Claire (Preston) Howell and Ellen Colwell; three grandchildren from his second marriage, Michael (Katie) Donbrosky, Stephanie Donbrosky and Elleanore Arquette; and six great-grandchildren with baby Jackson on the way.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joanne (Lange); his parents; and his brother, Barry Thomas.

A memorial event to celebrate Don’s life will take place on Saturday, August 15, 2026 from 1-5 p.m. at the lake, 8746 Lakeshore Rd. Lakeport, Michigan 48059, with a brief memorial service at 1:30 p.m.

The family would prefer memorial donations be made in his memory to Lakeshore Presbyterian Church or the St. Clair County Council on Aging.

Arrangements are by Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com