Robert Edward Colbert, son of John Gerald Colbert and Carrie Jane Anderson Colbert of Danbury, IA, born April 8, 1947 in Sioux City, Iowa, died Friday, November 11, 2016 at St. Mary's Hospice House in Bogart, Georgia after battling Muscular Dystrophy and Leukemia for several years.
Bob was raised in Danbury, Iowa, and graduated from Maple Valley High School in 1965. He graduated from Iowa State University with two degrees in English, a BS ('69) and an MA ('75).
Bob married Judith Ann Noble on September 20, 1969, in Sioux City, Iowa. He and his bride were married for 47 years and had two children, Aimee and Brett.
Bob spent his entire life working in either the Education or Hospitality fields. Early in his career, he taught English and served as a coach for track, cross country, and wrestling in Iowa. Years later, he became the President of Piccadilly Circus Pizza, Inc. (from 1979 to 1982), and worked as the General Manager and Training Manager for USA Cafes/Bonanza Restaurants and Burger King in Dallas, Texas and Athens, Georgia. After earning his Doctorate in Education from The University of Georgia in 1992, he returned to teaching and taught Special Education in Athens, GA, concentrating specifically in Behavioral Disorders. Bob taught English and Special Education for a combined total of 30 years.
Bob is survived by his wife, Judy, his daughter Aimee Elizabeth David and her husband Billy of Jefferson, Georgia, his son Brett Noble Colbert and his wife Hollye of Athens, GA and his granddaughter, Elizabeth Ashley David and great granddaughter, Brooklyn Paige Loggins, both of Jefferson, Georgia. He also has three younger brothers, Richard (Nancy) of Sioux Falls, SD, Tom (Alan) of New York, NY, and David (Linda) of Danbury, IA, and two sisters Sarah (Warren) Anschutz, of Sioux Falls, SD, and Mary Jane (Bill) Holck, of Merrill, IA along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A private funeral will follow Bob's cremation. A Memorial service will be determined by family members and held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob Colbert's memory to the St. Mary's Hospice House at 1660 Jennings Mill Rd, Bogart, GA 30622 or to the First Presbyterian Church of Athens at 185 East Hancock Avenue, Athens, GA 30601.
Lord and Stephens, East is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com