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Richard Atwell
Commissioner Richard Daniel Atwell
| Commissioner Richard Atwell | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Rank | Commissioner |
| Birth Date | April 1, 1915 |
| Death Date | June 26, 2000 |
| Relations | Commissioner Doris Atwell (wife) |
Appointments
| Appointment | Rank | From | Until |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corps Officer - Lewistown, Pennsylvania | Captain | December 15, 1937 | July 8, 1942 |
Obituary
Richard Atwell, retired Salvation Army commissioner and former third-in-command,1) 85, died Thursday in Manatee Memorial Hospital.
Before Retiring to Missionary Village in Bradenton with his wife Doris more than 17 years ago, Atwell was one of the Salvation Army's highest-ranking officials, responsible for some 50,000 members from 105 countries.
Following Salvation Army regulations, Atwell retired his position on his 67th birthday, but according to friends and colleges, he never ceased to follow their “heart to God, hand to man” motto.
“There may be a 'retired' in front of his name, but he never really, just recharged,” said Frances Eckstein, a longtime friend and retired brigadier. “When he promised a lifetime commitment, he meant literally until the day he went into the hospital; he served people until the very end.”
After graduating from high school in his native Pennsylvania, Atwell turned down a contract with the New York Yankees to join the Salvation Army as a uniformed officer. He never looked back.
Joined by his wife, who died in August, Atwell dedicated 47 years to assisting and educating those in need. He left his footprints all over the world, but Africa ignited a passion in his heart, and for 20 years he called it home, son Richard Atwell Jr. said.
His humanitarian efforts in Africa and the United States received praise from foreign dignitaries and leaders from around the world, yet Atwell refused to bask in the glory of his achievements and remained a “humble” man until he died, Atwell Jr. said.
“He led Queen Elizabeth's birthday procession alongside Prince Philip, dined with international political figureheads and received bravery medals on more than one occasion, but he always said it was the uniform receiving the attention and not him,” Atwell Jr. said.
After retiring in 1982, Atwell left Rhodesia, Africa, and moved to Bradenton's Missionary Village. Founded in 1980 by Tropicana tycoon Anthony Rossi, the retirement village provides free housing for those like Atwell who dedicate their lives to missionary work.
Co-founder Sanna Rossi described Atwell as one of the most kind and gracious people she has ever met. “It was a pleasure to have him here,” she said.
He is survived by a son, Richard Jr., and a “daughter-in-love” Maureen Atwell of Chicago; a sister, Flosie Fenea of Kingston, Pa.; and two grandchildren.
Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Bradenton Funeral Home, 5827 14th St. W. Memorial. Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Bradenton Missionary Village. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, St. Petersburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richard and Doris Atwell Memorial Fund for Africa, c/o Salvation Army, 1204 14th St. W., Bradenton, Fla. 34205.
The Bradenton Herald (Bradenton, Florida), June 30, 2000