The Life of RICHARD LEROY JEWELL
Richard was born Wednesday May 8, 1940, to Hazel and Luther Jewell in Des Moines, Iowa. He entered the Military in 1959, serving as a medic in the Army, 1st Calvary Division. He was very proud of his military service in which he served two tours in the Vietnam Conflict.
During his time in the military Richard traveled the world, living for a few years in Germany, and later in Japan, a country he fell in love with. His duties in Vietnam were during wartime, but Richard found many of the civilian people warm and caring. Although haunted by some of his wartime experiences, Richard stated how much he would like to return and travel Vietnam, because he marveled at the beauty of the country. Many times stating over his lifetime there is no greener place on earth. Unfortunately he never realized this dream. One regret Richard carried related to his Military duty was that he was on leave to Japan when his younger brother was badly wounded and had been medevacked away before his return. Although beyond his control, this incident tormented him for many years.
After his honorable discharge from the Army, he later settled in Clarinda, Iowa where he studied at the Iowa law enforcement academy and became a police officer. He was proud of his law enforcement duty and once greatly encouraged a young nephew, wanting to become a highway patrolman to pursuit his dream, telling him military police was a great starting point. Upon maturity this then 7 yr old nephew joined the US Army where he serves as a MP.
During his time as a police officer, he started a boxing club with fellow police officers to allow local, at risk youth, opportunity to channel some energy into a productive skill. This was quite enjoyable to him, with many hours spent by all involved working with the boys. Matches were held boxing against boxers at his brothers club in Des Moines. Getting their start in Clarinda, a couple of the boys later boxed in clubs in Colorado and eventually went on to win golden gloves tournament events.
Richard resigned his duty as a police officer in 1986, retiring to Las Vegas to be near his father until his death in 1989. He returned to Iowa in 1992 where he eventually settled in Indianola where he lived until his death.
Richard is survived by all three of his siblings, 7 children, 26 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Bryan, great grandson Myles, sister-in-law, Vicky Jewell, and brother-in-law, Melvin Funk.
Richard passed away peacefully, Monday April 4th, at the VA Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa after a brief illness. He was 75 years, 331 days old.
Visitation will be held from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m., with a celebration of life beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2016, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
During his time in the military Richard traveled the world, living for a few years in Germany, and later in Japan, a country he fell in love with. His duties in Vietnam were during wartime, but Richard found many of the civilian people warm and caring. Although haunted by some of his wartime experiences, Richard stated how much he would like to return and travel Vietnam, because he marveled at the beauty of the country. Many times stating over his lifetime there is no greener place on earth. Unfortunately he never realized this dream. One regret Richard carried related to his Military duty was that he was on leave to Japan when his younger brother was badly wounded and had been medevacked away before his return. Although beyond his control, this incident tormented him for many years.
After his honorable discharge from the Army, he later settled in Clarinda, Iowa where he studied at the Iowa law enforcement academy and became a police officer. He was proud of his law enforcement duty and once greatly encouraged a young nephew, wanting to become a highway patrolman to pursuit his dream, telling him military police was a great starting point. Upon maturity this then 7 yr old nephew joined the US Army where he serves as a MP.
During his time as a police officer, he started a boxing club with fellow police officers to allow local, at risk youth, opportunity to channel some energy into a productive skill. This was quite enjoyable to him, with many hours spent by all involved working with the boys. Matches were held boxing against boxers at his brothers club in Des Moines. Getting their start in Clarinda, a couple of the boys later boxed in clubs in Colorado and eventually went on to win golden gloves tournament events.
Richard resigned his duty as a police officer in 1986, retiring to Las Vegas to be near his father until his death in 1989. He returned to Iowa in 1992 where he eventually settled in Indianola where he lived until his death.
Richard is survived by all three of his siblings, 7 children, 26 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Bryan, great grandson Myles, sister-in-law, Vicky Jewell, and brother-in-law, Melvin Funk.
Richard passed away peacefully, Monday April 4th, at the VA Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa after a brief illness. He was 75 years, 331 days old.
Visitation will be held from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m., with a celebration of life beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2016, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Filter RICHARD LEROY JEWELL's Timeline by the following Memory Categories
Military Service
War:
Vietnam
Branch:
Army
Rank:
Unknown