Valcris Olenthus Ewell Jr.
May 14, 1931 — July 11, 2013
Valcris Olenthus Ewell Jr.
Logan, Utah - - - Valcris O. Ewell Jr.
Logan - Valcris Olenthus Ewell, Jr., 82, first African American civilian graduate of Army War College, died Thursday, July 11, 2013, after suffering a massive heart attack. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Logan Regional Hospital in Utah. Val attended the US Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1971-72, and was the first African American civilian to graduate from the prestigious military program. He ended his career with the Department of the Army, after a career characterized by awards and commendations, having attained a position in the Federal Senior Executive Service and achieving the position of Assistant Secretary of the Army for Logistics and Installations, a key leadership position at the Pentagon where he managed over 200 employees.
He began life in Frankston, Texas, a small East Texas town, the youngest son of four children born to Valcris, Sr. and Marjorie Morris Ewell. A quick study, Val, graduated from high school at 15 years of age with valedictory honors. He went on to graduate from Bishop College in Marshall, Texas, where he met and married Armeta Marvelle Lee of East St. Louis, Illinois. The two of them began government service together teaching on a Navajo Indian reservation in Kayenta, Arizona.
The couple was blessed with three children: the eldest son, Valcris Ewell III, a jazz musician and composer; the youngest son, Newton Ewell, an accomplished and world-renowned artist; and a daughter, Sharon Ewell Foster, an award-winning novelist and former Pentagon writer and researcher. Val was also stepfather to two beloved sons, Earl Christopher Harris and Larry Delano Robinson, both son's of Armeta's previous marriages.
In his later years, he dabbled in various business enterprises, including working as a dispute mediator. He was active in politics, an avid reader, lover of music, and a crossword puzzle aficionado. But his greatest joy was staying connected with friends and family, and encouraging his grandchildren in all their endeavors.
He leaves behind a sister, Janelle Barrens of Fort Washington, Maryland; his three children--Valcris III, Newton, and Sharon; a stepson, Larry Robinson; many beloved grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, cousin, and a host of loyal friends.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church, 178 W. Center, Logan, Utah with Pastor Paul Hunt officiating. Cards and other acknowledgements may be sent to the church. Interment will be in the Providence Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com
Logan - Valcris Olenthus Ewell, Jr., 82, first African American civilian graduate of Army War College, died Thursday, July 11, 2013, after suffering a massive heart attack. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Logan Regional Hospital in Utah. Val attended the US Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1971-72, and was the first African American civilian to graduate from the prestigious military program. He ended his career with the Department of the Army, after a career characterized by awards and commendations, having attained a position in the Federal Senior Executive Service and achieving the position of Assistant Secretary of the Army for Logistics and Installations, a key leadership position at the Pentagon where he managed over 200 employees.
He began life in Frankston, Texas, a small East Texas town, the youngest son of four children born to Valcris, Sr. and Marjorie Morris Ewell. A quick study, Val, graduated from high school at 15 years of age with valedictory honors. He went on to graduate from Bishop College in Marshall, Texas, where he met and married Armeta Marvelle Lee of East St. Louis, Illinois. The two of them began government service together teaching on a Navajo Indian reservation in Kayenta, Arizona.
The couple was blessed with three children: the eldest son, Valcris Ewell III, a jazz musician and composer; the youngest son, Newton Ewell, an accomplished and world-renowned artist; and a daughter, Sharon Ewell Foster, an award-winning novelist and former Pentagon writer and researcher. Val was also stepfather to two beloved sons, Earl Christopher Harris and Larry Delano Robinson, both son's of Armeta's previous marriages.
In his later years, he dabbled in various business enterprises, including working as a dispute mediator. He was active in politics, an avid reader, lover of music, and a crossword puzzle aficionado. But his greatest joy was staying connected with friends and family, and encouraging his grandchildren in all their endeavors.
He leaves behind a sister, Janelle Barrens of Fort Washington, Maryland; his three children--Valcris III, Newton, and Sharon; a stepson, Larry Robinson; many beloved grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, cousin, and a host of loyal friends.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church, 178 W. Center, Logan, Utah with Pastor Paul Hunt officiating. Cards and other acknowledgements may be sent to the church. Interment will be in the Providence Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com
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