Billy Wayne Colwell

Billy Wayne Colwell, 79, of Harwood, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Billy was born on September 2, 1946, in Luling, Texas to W.W. “Bill” Colwell and Neoma Edwards Colwell. The oldest of five children, Billy spent his early years in the Harwood and Luling areas. His family later moved to San Antonio but eventually returned to Luling, where Billy graduated with the Luling High School Class of 1964.

On April 11, 1992, Billy married Elizabeth Watts Knowles, beginning a life together filled with family, companionship, and many shared memories.

Throughout much of his adult life, Billy worked in construction, where he enjoyed working with his hands and took great satisfaction in turning new wood into something useful and lasting. After retiring from construction, Billy went on to work in the maintenance department at Kactus Korral.

Billy loved preparing barbeque for family and friends, especially when it could be enjoyed with a cold beer and good company. He also loved taking cruises with Elizabeth, family and friends, where he could relax and enjoy the open water – trips that gave the family many happy memories. A longtime Jimmy Buffett fan, Billy enjoyed the easy-going spirit of Buffett’s music; a good song, a cold drink, and time with the people he loved were his idea of a life well lived.

Billy is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, of Harwood, daughters, Jennifer Schaeffer of Avon Park, OH, Missy Schauer and husband Darren of Gonzales, Kim Paez and husband Carlos of Keller, grandchildren, Michael Schaeffer, Travis Schauer and wife Ashley, Allyson Schauer and Bailey Vaughn and his great-granddaughter, Juliana Schauer, siblings, Peggy Blackmon and husband Tommy of Waelder, Janell Craven and husband Todd of Gonzales and Terry Colwell of Harwood. Billy was preceded in death by his parents, W.W. “Bill” Colwell and Neoma Edwards Colwell and his brother, Michael Colwell.

The family will receive friends from 8:30 am to 9:30 am, Thursday, August 27, 2026 in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. Graveside services will follow at 10 am in Harwood Cemetery with Reverend Todd Craven officiating. Memorials may be made to the Harwood Baptist Church or the Harwood Cemetery Association.

Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.