Community surprises oldest living Marine in Texas

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Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Surprise birthday parade in Houston for 99-year-old Marine
"Once a Marine, always a Marine." Meet Pappy. The 99 year old says he still feels like he's in his early 70s and still hits the gym four days a week!"Once a Marine, always a Marine." Meet Pappy. The 99 year old says he still feels like he's in his early 70s and still hits the gym four days a week! 💪

HOUSTON, Texas -- Joseph Colwell, also known as Pappy, is believed to be the oldest living Marine in Texas. And while he's 99 years old, he says he feels like he's in his early 70s.

In August, Colwell's friends and family surprised him with an over the top birthday surprise. Dozens of people drove past his house in a parade, with loved ones cheering for him and sharing well wishes on his big day.

Colwell's friends say he is tough but lovable. His wife passed away 12 years ago, and his family thought he wouldn't make it six weeks without her. Now, as he is newly 99, he is still cooking for himself, going to the gym four days a week, and driving around town in a bright red Mustang.

Colwell says he doesn't believe in having parties for birthdays, but this surprise was simply unbelievable.

"Surprise. There isn't a word in the dictionary that will explain how I feel about all this," Colwell said.

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