Colwell Memorial Home

03/17/2026

We see it every week.

Families making difficult decisions in the middle of heartbreak.

And we also have the privilege of sitting with individuals who choose to plan ahead and give their loved ones peace.

That’s why pre-planning matters.

03/16/2026

The funeral services for Retired Sheriff Bob Fair will be livestreamed today at the following link. With icy roads, brutal temperatures, and strong winds, weather conditions are not in our favor. Please use caution and do not put yourself at risk if road conditions, distance, or physical limitations could make travel unsafe.

Funeral service for Mr. Bob Fair.

03/14/2026

In loving memory of Jeffery "Jeff" Loran Osborne.

“For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”
— Psalm 84:10 (ESV)

Please view Jeff's tribute page to view the full obituary and leave your condolence of choice:

View Jeffrey "Jeff" Loran Osborne's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/12/2026

In loving memory of Retired Sheriff Robert K. "Bob" Fair.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” — Matthew 5:9

“As his watch ends here on earth, may the Lord grant him eternal rest and may the memory of his service continue to stand as a badge of honor.”

End of Watch
March 12, 2026

To view full obituary or leave your personal condolence of choice please view Bob's tribute page :

View Robert Keith "Bob" Fair's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/12/2026

Funeral Director by profession…

…but also a dad, a handyman, a lawn crew, a taxi driver, a late-night problem solver, a community volunteer, and the guy who somehow always answers the phone when someone needs help.

At Colwell Memorial Home & Crematory, families see the professionalism and compassion he brings to every service. At home and around town, we see all the other roles he quietly fills every single day.

If you’ve ever had a conversation with him, worked beside him, or watched the care he gives to families during some of their hardest moments, you know exactly what I mean.

Today we celebrate the heart behind the calling.

Happy National Funeral Director / Mortician Day to the very best one I know. ❤️

03/11/2026

The words we choose matter.

Let’s talk about respectful terminology in funeral service.

03/10/2026

⚠️ Community Awareness Post ⚠️

You may receive something like this in the mail that looks very official and says things like “2026 Benefit Information for Illinois Citizens Only” or suggests the state will pay your final expenses.

Just a reminder: This is a solicitation. It is NOT from the State of Illinois or a government program.

These mailers are typically lead generators for life insurance or final expense insurance companies. When you return the card or call the number, your information is sent to insurance agents who will contact you to sell a policy.

A few things to notice:
• It says “Not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency” in small print.
• It creates urgency by asking you to respond quickly.
• It looks like an official government notice when it is actually marketing.

As someone who works with families every day in the funeral profession, I always encourage people to ask questions and understand what they’re signing up for before returning anything like this.

If you ever have questions about preplanning, final expense options, or legitimate ways to prepare, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted professional.

Just sharing so others don’t feel misled. ❤️

03/08/2026

Sometimes the most meaningful questions come from little hearts.

A five year old wanted to know if her loved one would be wearing clean clothes.

Here’s what we told her.

03/06/2026

Let’s talk about AI.

We use it to polish communication and catch little grammatical mistakes. It helps us refine what we’re trying to say.

But the heart of funeral service is still people serving people.

AI just fixes the commas… since I clearly needed the help. 😅

03/02/2026

Official Statement from Colwell Memorial Home & Crematory

It has come to our attention that Sunrise — beloved companion, hydration hero, courthouse confidant — was memorialized without our professional consultation.

While we understand arrangements were made swiftly, we can’t help but feel a small ache in our hearts knowing that such a cherished stainless steel soul was laid to rest without the dignity of a proper service.

Knowing Michael, he would have wanted:
• A time for gathering.
• A moment of reflection at the courthouse fountain.
• Perhaps a procession past the ledge where Sunrise faithfully stood watch.
• And certainly a few words about loyalty, hydration, and the strength of double-wall insulation.

At Colwell Memorial Home, we believe every life — even those vacuum-sealed in metal — deserves to be honored with intention.

That said, we are grateful Sunrise FS stepped forward to provide Sunrise’s identical twin brother. In the funeral profession, we call that “aftercare done right.”

Michael, should you ever need assistance planning a Celebration of Hydration for Sunrise, our doors are open. We have a lovely stainless-appropriate register book and would happily coordinate a fountain-side committal service.

Until then, may the new Sunrise stay full, stay loyal, and never be separated from his human again.

With deepest (and slightly dramatic) sympathy,
The Colwell Family
Colwell Memorial Home & Crematory

03/01/2026

Just like a halftime show, not everyone will agree with every choice.

The difference is, when it comes to funeral services, the choices belong to you.

Our role is not to judge them.
Our role is to honor them.

02/28/2026

There is no timeline for grief. Everyone walks their own road, at their own pace, and in their own way.