Richard Churchwell

Richard W. Churchwell of Simla, CO went to be with the Lord at the age of 93 on Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011 with his loving family by his side. Richard was born Sept. 12, 1917 at Stratton, CO to Iva Wallis and William Churchwell (One of 8 children). The family lived near Lindon, CO during the depression, drought and dust bowl days of the thirties. These years later served as the basis for fascinating stories for the grandkids. Life was hard on the prairie! After graduating from Lindon High School, he attended one year at Greeley College before entering the U.S Navy in May of 1939. Richard was assigned to the Aircraft Carrier USS Enterprise CV6 which was based out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. When the Japanese navy attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 the Enterprise and a few support ships were returning from Wake Island. In the months and years ahead, the Enterprise was destined to see a lot of action and she was in every carrier action except one in the first year of the war. Richard served his country proudly for 6 years during WWII. On September 3, 1943 Richard married his high school sweet heart, Viola Mae Griswold, at Golden CO. They were blessed with five children: Everett, Evelyn, Ervin, Bob (Eldon) and Ed. After 5 years of farming at Lindon the family purchased a dairy farm near Simla which became their permanent home. Richard worked at Nichols Tillage Tools for 18 years and enjoyed raising cattle and horses. Viola and Richard were active members of the First Baptist Church. Richard served as a school Board member of Alta Vista School and was a member of American Legion Post 77 in Simla. Richard and Viola were members of the “Keenager’s Band”. This musical group of retirees performed in nursing homes through out Eastern Colorado. Richard played the harmonica. Preceding him in death are his wife, Viola Churchwell, his parents, Iva and WT Churchwell, brothers Frances, Harold and sisters Louise Sherman and Mildred Nuttleman. Richard is survived by his five children: Everett (Norma) of Limon; Evelyn (Curtis) Book of Longmont; Ervin (Cheryl) of Simla; Eldon (Bob) (Jan) of Burlington; Ed (Janie) of Brush, CO. He will be missed by 20 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Also surviving are three siblings: Jean Williamson, Kenneth and Calvin Churchwell all of Denver as well as many nieces and nephews.