Robert Francis Conwell

Robert Francis Conwell, 88, passed away at Highland Manor in Mesquite, NV on Wednesday, July 3, 2013. He was born January 24, 1925 in Red Lodge, MT to Edward and Callista Shay Conwell. Robert married Frances Eileen Irish on October 22, 1955 in Billings, MT.

He graduated from Carbon County High School in Red Lodge, MT in 1942 and the University of Montana's School of Law in Missoula, MT in 1951. Robert returned to Red Lodge where he had his own law office. In 1987, Robert retired to California for six years, and then he and Frances moved to Mesquite, NV.

After attending a year at Billings Business College, Robert was drafted by the US Army in July of 1943. In 1944, he was sent to England for a month, to get organized and prepared for combat at the Maginot Line in France. He was with the 12th Armored Division as an infantryman when on January 17, 1945 he was captured by the Germans in Herrlisheim, France. Robert, along with 50 or 60 others, spent 3 months in Stalag 4-B as a Prisoner Of War when on April 20, 1945 they were liberated by a French Moroccan unit. He bounced from unit to unit making his way to Paris, where he was flown to New York and then to Denver. He spent three months in the hospital and was discharged on September 1, 1945.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, children John (Mayumi) Conwell of Unalaska, AK, Colleen (Jeffrey) Jennings of Salt Lake City, UT, Kevin (Barbara) Conwell of Bozeman, MT, James (Jennifer) Conwell of Billings, MT, and Gregory Conwell of St George, UT; and one sister, Rose Sullivan of Butte, MT. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dennis Conwell; brother, Edward Conwell; sisters Mary Hudak and Margaret Heyd.

Funeral services and interment will be held on Monday, July 8, 2013 at 10:40 am at Southern Nevada Veterans Cemetery in Boulder City, NV. Arrangements have been made under the direction of the Virgin Valley Mortuary in Mesquite, NV. 320 East Old Mill Road, (702) 345-6060.