Purcel Harding Coalwell, 93, of the Bowen's Mill community, died Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at the Irwin County Hospital in Ocilla.
Private memorial services will be held at a later date.
Mr. Coalwell was born July 23, 1918 in Madisonville, Louisiana to the late William Lyon and Lela Sanford Coalwell. He was a retired veteran of the United States Army Air Force. He was stationed in the Pacific during World War II and met his future wife while in Australia. He was an appliance serviceman and air conditioning installer. Mr. Coalwell formerly taught physics at the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He faithfully oversaw Tapes Ministry 40 years, and he was a member of Bowen's Mill Christian Center for the past 14 years.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years: Gwenyth Clapp Coalwell of the Bowens’ Mill community; daughters and sons-in-law: Margwen & Doug Wermer of Leo, Indiana, Rosslyn & Peter Schuh of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Wendy & James Croxson of London, England; son and daughter-in-law: Dr. Timothy & Mary Coalwell of Anchorage, Alaska; grandchildren; Michael & Matthew Wermer, Stephen Schuh, Paula Berbeco, Laura Hobbs and Luan Jensen and great grandchildren; Conner & Aaden Wermer, Allacyn Schuh, Sami & Freya Jensen and Lily Grace Hobbs. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter; Tamara JoyCoalwell, grandson; David Paul Coalwell, two brothers; and one sister.
The family suggests memorials may be sent to Palemon Gaskin Nursing Home, 201 W. Dismuke Avenue, Ocilla, GA 31774.