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Christopher Colwell Sr.

1959 - 2019

Christopher Colwell Sr. obituary, 1959-2019, Cincinnati, OH

Christopher Colwell Obituary

Christopher Colwell, Sr.

Cincinnati - Christopher Scott Colwell, Sr. age 59, died peacefully at home on March 8, 2019 after a valiant battle with Head and Neck Cancer. Chris was born June 6, 1959 in Toledo, Ohio to the late Ronald and Frances Anne (Kirkham) Colwell. He graduated from Ottawa Hills High School; attended the College of Wooster; and earned his bachelor's degree at Xavier University. After an early career working various political campaigns and political direct mail, Chris became Finance Director for the 1990 Voinovich/DeWine gubernatorial race. At that time, it was the most successful Ohio statewide fundraising effort in history. He was hired away from the newly elected administration by Cincinnati Bell. Chris was the face of Cincinnati Bell to state and federal lawmakers for nearly a generation first as Director; then VP of Government Relations; and since 2005, as President of The Colwell Group. In addition to his work with Cincinnati Bell, Chris touched a number of local communities: In City of Wyoming, he was instrumental in maintaining the Galbraith Rd. exit on I-75 as well as securing state funding for a soccer field adjacent to the community pool. In Loveland, he worked closely with area legislators to provide funding for a parking lot that has supported access to the Loveland Bike Trail and the growth of local businesses. Through a long-term relationship with the City of Blue Ash, Chris worked with State officials to win multiple Capital Budget allocations to support the construction and expansions of both the Cooper Creek Conference Center and Summit Park. Mr. Colwell also worked with county officials to win funding support from the county's excess TOT funds generated by the Hotel-Motel tax. In addition to his local clients, he previously represented corporate clients from CA, TX, and IL. His unquestioned integrity coupled with a high degree of intellect, wicked humor and compassionate demeanor earned him the distinction of a being a true gentleman who could successfully work with both political parties. Chris' devotion to family, friends and unwavering belief in the Lord were hallmarks of his long term survival during his illness. He enjoyed family, golf, travel, NCAA and NFL football, Xavier basketball, reading and his beloved Australian Shepherd, Kirby. Chris is survived by his wife of 32 years, Debra Runyon Colwell; his devoted children, Christopher Scott Colwell, Jr. of Lexington, KY and Dr. Veronica "Ronnie" Colwell of Cincinnati, OH. He is also survived by his sister, Leslie (Jim) Stankey Dublin, OH, brother, Craig (Kathy) Colwell, Orinda, CA, sister-in-law, Susan (Marty Spicer) Little, Franklin, OH, sister-in-love, Barbara Monroe, Nashville, TN. Cherished uncle of Kate (Kent) Holdcroft, K.C. (Angela Kujava) Colwell, Nate (Sarah) Little, Andy (Julie) Stankey, Sarah Stankey, Matt (Nicole) Stankey, Jake Stankey, Meghan Colwell, Caroline Colwell and Molly Colwell. Great Uncle to Logan, Bekah, William, Colin, Eleanor, Blake and an anxiously awaited, "Baby Girl" Colwell. He leaves behind a host of extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, Chris was preceded in death by brother Kirk Jonathan Colwell. Chris was a man who loved deeply, gave generously, smiled exuberantly and prayed unceasingly. He will be sorely missed. Visitation will be Friday, March 15th from 4pm to 8pm at Spring Grove Funeral Homes and Saturday, March 16th from 10am to 11am at Norman Chapel at Spring Grove. The funeral will follow the Saturday visitation in the chapel. 4521 Spring Grove Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45232 Private burial will be in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park, Toledo, OH. Contributions in Chris' honor may be made to:

Head and Neck Cancer Alliance https://headandneckcanceralliance.salsalabs.org/moderndonationform/index.html

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Cincinnati Enquirer from Mar. 12 to Mar. 20, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Colwell

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March 20, 2019

My heartfelt condolences to the family for your precious loss. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort because he cares for you. 1Peter 5:6-7

NJ

Jennifer H

March 19, 2019

Sorry for your loss May you find comfort and strength in God's promise found at John. 6:40

March 18, 2019

I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 119:76.

C B

March 16, 2019

I am sorry for your loss. May the God who binds up the brokenhearted and comforts all who mourn sustain your family during this sad time. Isaiah 61:1,2

I A

March 15, 2019

May the God of comfort strengthen the family and friends during this time of deep sorrow.those who pass on,God keep in his memories because they are precious in his eyes. My sincere condolences Ps 116:15

Exquisite Tribute Standing Spray

Blyenda Romaguera

Sent Flowers

Rick Yocum

March 15, 2019

It was a pleasure working with Chris during his Cincy Bell days and chatting with him on a variety of topics when we would meet in the Statehouse later in our tenures there. A sure cure for a bad day was an encounter with him. He will be missed by many.

March 15, 2019

So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and strenght in God's loving word's found at Jeremiah 29:11,12

March 14, 2019

So sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in God's loving words found at 1Pet 5:10

Peaceful Passage Arrangement

a loved one

Sent Flowers

pat stern

March 14, 2019

Chris was a pleasure working with when he was at Cincinnati Bell he made negotiating agreements with our (ICRC) communities so easy. He was kind caring and a true professional. I am so sorry I did not know he was ill. He will be missed. Honestly never saw him without a smile on his face. To his wife and children please except my sincere sympathy, your Husband/Dad was a great man.

James Raussen

March 13, 2019

He was one of my closest friends in the political sphere, loyal, even when not convenient for him. With me when popular and not popular, a true friend. Great humor, great spirit, they don't make them like Chris anymore.

Pure Opulence Luxury Bouquet  - VASE INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Jennifer H

March 13, 2019

Sorry for your loss May you find comfort and strength in God's promise found at John 6:40

Ashley Jordan

March 12, 2019

We remember Chris' smile and love for his beautiful wife, children and frisbee catching dogs. My family and sons were both very sad with the news that the man who threw the best frisbee had gone to see Jesus. They both said that they are happy for him to be in heaven without pain but so sad for his life here. We will miss him and are heartbroken for the loss of losing him for his family. I'm so sorry Colewell family. We are praying for you.

Mary Gorte

March 12, 2019

I knew Chris at the College of Wooster. We dated briefly but just enjoyed spending time together. We were both from Toledo. Loved Chris's sense of humor and compassion. I am so sad that he was taken so young.

Jennifer H

March 12, 2019

Sorry for your loss May you find comfort and strength in God's promise found at John 6:40

Shirley Fry

March 12, 2019

Chris was a wonderful kind loving man that we were blessed to have in our family. We will cherish him in our hearts till we meet again.

Eternal Friendship Remembrance Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Zac Haines

March 12, 2019

Chris was a wonderful man. Loyal, kind, principled, and loved his family. Our friendship came about from a shared interest in good government. He was without question one of the very best. I am deeply saddened and extend my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family. God Bless.

L Renfroe

March 12, 2019

Please accept my sincerest condolences, my thoughts and prayers are with you. May God's love and grace help you, comfort you and grant you peace. At 1 Peter 5:10 God gives the guarantee that He will make you firm, He will make you strong.

Paul Raak

March 12, 2019

Chris will be missed greatly on Capitol Hill. He was always a gentleman, and a wise and respected counselor, but more important a friend to so many.

Faithful Blessings Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Paul Raak

Sent Flowers

Don

March 12, 2019

Please accept my sympathies for the loss of your loved one.May God be with you and your family during this time of great sorrow Please read Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11 and 2nd Corinthians chapter 1 verses 3 and 4

Diane Redden

March 11, 2019

We are Hamilton County Municipal League are so sorry for your loss. He was a consummate professional. Diane Redden and Stiney Vonderhaar

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

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Memorial Events
for Christopher Colwell

Mar

15

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Spring Grove Funeral Homes

OH

Mar

16

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Norman Chapel at Spring Grove

OH

Mar

16

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

Norman Chapel at Spring Grove

4521 Spring Grove Ave., Cincinnati, OH

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