George William Colburn, age 88, of Stockton, died November 18, 2019 at the Rooks County Health Center in Plainville, Kansas with his family at his side. He was born on July 24, 1931, in Rooks County, Kansas to George W. Colburn and Emma (Sander) Colburn. He was a lifetime resident of Rooks County and was committed to his community with a deep interest in the people that was a part of it.
George graduated from Stockton High School with the class of 1950. Following his graduation he entered into the United States Marines Corps from 1951 until 1953 and the reserves until his honorable discharge in 1959. He served one year in Korea and earned the Korean Service Medal as well as the United Nations Service Medal. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8873.
George married Linda (Lemon) Patterson on February 21, 1976 at the Stockton United Methodist Church becoming a father to the three Patterson children; to this union, Timothy was born. George had also adopted his nephew, Harry Cross when Harry was 10 years old.
George farmed, owned the Standard Station, as well as operating the farm fuel delivery business he purchased in 1972. As a young man he worked at numerous jobs, always speaking of them in fond remembrance. Included in these was his experience working with Gerald Colburn at the Colburn Locker.
George loved his family, his farm animals, and always had a dog companion at his side. He loved to garden and use his little tractor to work the ground. He was a generous man and a gentle giant, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother.
George was a member of the Stockton United Methodist Church, he renewed his commitment to Christ on November 15, 2019, with his wife at his side.
George is survived by his wife, Linda Colburn of the home in Stockton, KS; children, Harry (Winnelle) Colburn of Downs, KS, Tim (Dawnite) Colburn of Stockton, KS, Curtis Patterson and significant other Kim Knouf of Plainville, KS, Susan Patterson (Randy) Friesen of Lexington, KY, and Brad (Brenda) Patterson of Gainesville, GA; a sister, Vesta Miller of Arvada, CO; and eleven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Emma Colburn, four sisters, three brothers, and one grandson, Colburn Patterson.
George was a hardworking, loving, and dedicated family man. He loved what he did and did what he loved. Although he will be greatly missed, his life, his love, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. Isaiah 41:13, God tells us, “I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand, and I tell you, ‘Don’t be afraid, I will help you.’”
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at the United Methodist Church in Stockton starting at 11:00 AM. A book signing will be held at Plumer Overlease Funeral Home in Stockton on Friday, November 22, 2019 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM.
Memorials are suggested to the Stockton United Methodist Church or the Rooks County Health Center and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Homes at 723 North First, Stockton, KS 67669.