Ralph L. Colby 1932-2017
St. Joseph - Ralph Lester Colby, 84, passed away at Corby Place on Saturday, December 9, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.
He was born December 23, 1932 to Alvin Colby and Josephine Mae (Baker) Colby in Cameron.
Ralph graduated from Cameron High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Central Methodist University in Fayette.
He proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict from 1952 to 1955. He received the Good Conduct Medal and the Korean International Medal of Honor. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post #6160.
He belonged to the St. Joseph Community Chorus and Chamber Choir.
He helped at the Open Door Food Kitchen, delivered Meals on Wheels, and was a Volunteer Hospital Chaplin for 17 years providing 1364 hours of patient visits.
He served Brookdale Presbyterian Church as Trustee, Deacon, Choir and Senior Adult Leadership Team.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Barbara Mae(Medille) Sackman; brother, Alvin Jay Colby; nephew, Andrew Jay Colby.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara; son, Michael (Brenda) Colby, Sioux Falls, S.D.; daughter, Rev. Vicky L. (Colby), (Rev. James H.) Eastland, Long Island, N.Y.; sister-in-law, Eleanor Colby, East Lyme, Conn.; sister-in-law, Wanda (Maurice) McGill, Dallas, Texas; granddaughter, Elizabeth Colby; grandsons, Luke Colby, Aaron Colby, Daniel Colby and Raju Eastland; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family thanks the Staff and Royal Comfort Care of Corby Place Senior Living for their great care and friendship.
Visitation will be held from 3 – 6 p.m., Sunday, December 17 at Poland-Thompson Funeral Home, 222 W. Third Street, Cameron. Farewell Service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, December 18, 2017 at Brookdale Presbyterian Church, 203 S. 31st Street, St. Joseph. Luncheon to follow service at the church. Burial and Military Honors will be held at 2 p.m. at Cameron Memory Gardens, Cameron. Memorial donation to VFW Post #6760 and/or Brookdale Presbyterian Church.