In memory of Dr. Lee Colwell

Our friend and mentor

Dr. Lee Colwell, a giant among men, passed away on January 16, 2021. He died as he lived, quietly commanding respect and showing strength while treating everyone around him with equality, affection, honesty, kindness, and love. He was my great friend, mentor, and partner of 35 years. A true American hero and the bravest man I ever met. He did more for America than anyone I have ever met. Wonderful man, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed.

Lee was born in Hot Springs Arkansas on April 6, 1934. He learned the value of hard work early in his life having two paper routes, ushering at a movie theater, and anything else to help support his mother, grandmother, and two siblings

As a young man, he joined the FBI as an agent. Over the years he worked his way up, living all over the country and traveling to many other countries as his job required. In 1975 Lee was made Associate Director, the number two position in the FBI, and held that post until his permanent retirement in 1985. Having been widowed in 1980, he met Barbara and they were married in 1984 in Washington DC. Following his retirement, they moved to Little Rock, Arkansas where they lived happily for 30 years. True to his nature he never stopped working and in 2012, joined me here at Gadberry Financial group as a trusted advisor to me and the clients we serve. Always an avid supporter of law enforcement, Lee remained involved for all of the ensuing years. He taught at the University of Arkansas while also working for the Justice Department traveling to Central and South America often, in an effort to support and reorganize their justice systems. In Little Rock, Lee established the Criminal Justice Institute and the National Center for Rural Law Enforcement. He later founded the Pegasus Research Institute, an information-sharing system for law enforcement, first responders, etc. Along the way, he earned his doctorate and studied and became certified in Financial Management.

He was predeceased by his father and mother, Dole and Letty Wait Colwell; His first wife Marylyn; two children, Dr. Karen Colwell and Paul Colwell; and his sister, Jean Edmondson.

He is survived by his devoted wife Barbara; brother and sister-in-law, James and Nancy Colwell; daughters, Laurie Keyton and Alison Baxter; grandchildren Susannah Miller, Erin Bovat, Kathryn Bovat, Dr. James Henry, Mark Henry; nine great-grandchildren and many many much-loved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also leaves behind a host of friends many of whom attribute their success to his example of leadership and who referred to him as the best man I ever knew. I consider it an honor to be among these men. The world is a better place because he was here and he will be sorely missed.