Thomas D. Colwell, 79, of Elgin, IL, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and devoted follower of Jesus Christ, peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.  Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years, Sharon. He was a loving father to Christine (Michael) Dille and Joy (Aaron) Gates. He was a caring grandfather to: Joshua (Allison) Dille, Nathanael (Colleen) Dille, Andrew Dille, Julia Dille, Callie Gates, Avery Gates, Archer Gates, Ryder Gates and Maverick Gates. He was a devoted great-grandfather to Lincoln Dille.

Tom was born May 20, 1945 in Chicago, IL to David & Elizabeth Colwell. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Terrence Colwell, and survived by his siblings, Elizabeth (Rudy) Schaumburg, Anthony (Anne) Colwell, his sister-in-law Yung Colwell and also numerous nieces & nephews.

Tom grew up a Cubs fan on the Northwest side of Chicago and lived a life of service, faith, and dedication to his family. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Tom fought courageously in the Vietnam War, carrying with him a deep sense of patriotism and honor throughout his life.

After the war, Tom returned home and found love in an unexpected place—on stage. It was in a local theater production that he met his beloved wife, Sharon. The two shared a passion for the arts and a love story that spanned over five decades. They were married for 51 wonderful years until Sharon's passing. Together, they built a beautiful family and shared a lifetime of memories, raising two daughters, Christy and Joy, whom he loved deeply.

Tom was a devoted Christian, a man of unwavering faith who shared his love of God with everyone in his life. He will be deeply missed but his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from 4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Village Church of Bartlett, 601 W Bartlett Rd, Bartlett, IL 60103 with a light reception to follow. After the reception, relatives & friends are invited to meet at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Rd., Elwood, IL 60421, for the interment at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial gifts may be directed to Alliance Defending Freedom , 15100 N 90th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, an organization Tom supported for many years.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.