Richard Lee "Dick" Tewell

Richard Lee "Dick" Tewell of Richland, MI


Dick, age 80, died unexpectedly Friday morning, January 15, 2106 at Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Dick, the son of Ira "Tex" and Blanche (Pricer) Tewell, was born in Dayton, OH on March 2, 1935. He had been employed at Allied Paper and retired in 1980 from Production at Wells Aluminum Manufacturing of Parchment, MI. Dick was an excellent fisherman and enjoyed the peace and solace of many area lakes. He followed NASCAR religiously especially # 3 "The Intimidator," Dale Earnhardt until his death in 2001 and then # 24, Jeff Gordon until his recent retirement. His pride and joy was a 1993 Corvette T-Top, that he constantly kept in immaculate condition.

In May of 1954, Dick was united in marriage to Delores M. (nee: Prehn) in Kalamazoo and she preceded him in death on May 4, 1996. Surviving are two daughters, Tammy L. (Donald) Uramkin of Potterville, MI and Kellie S. (Steve) Ellsworth of Delton, MI; his son, Richard L. (Carol VanHuysen) Tewell, Jr. of Brighton, MI; six precious grandchildren, Jodie (Donny) Roddy, Angie (Phil) Snyder, Mandi Tewell, Bryan Tewell, Ashley Ellsworth and Courtney Ellsworth; eight great grandchildren, Taylor, Matthew, Macee, Payton, Angelina, Peyton, Tanner and McKinley; by two sisters, Janet Tewell of Largo, FL and Pat Tewell of Saint James City, FL and special Lady friend, Jean Szeluga of Kalamazoo. Dick was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Kathy Woods.

As per his request, cremation has taken place and a private, family service will be held on the lake in the summer of 2016. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dick's honor may be directed to Kairos Dwelling, 2945 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49048. The Farley-Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel assisted Dick's family with his arrangements.