- Born on: May 5, 1930
- Departed on: February 18, 2026
- Resided in: Des Moines, IA
Richard (Dick) Lee Colbert
Richard (Dick) Lee Colbert
Was born to Emma and Bernard Colbert May 5, 1930 and joined his wife of 71 yrs., Patricia, in heaven on February 18, 2026.
He grew up in Menlo, Iowa with his folks and sister Belva. Dick played high school basketball and football and attended Iowa State University and was an avid Cyclone fan.
Dick and Patricia Starr fell in love and following their marriage moved to Des Moines, Iowa where they raised 2 children Jeanelle (Richard) Maynard and David (Diane) Colbert, where they spent the rest of their lives together.
Dick earned his living as a RR section hand, grocery clerk and produce manager(Amend’s, Dahl’s, Hy-Vee), glass and paint salesman (Forman Ford)and in the parking lot business(Keck).
Dick enjoyed hunting, fishing, model rocketry, airplanes, railroad and slot cars with his son. He was an avid gardener and loved working with his hands. He and Pat also traveled and spent many winters in Florida.
Richard and Patricia were faithful members of St. John’s United Methodist Church. He was the last founding charter member before the church closed in 2025.
His pride and joy were his grandchildren Kelli Purcell(Phil McConnell), Christopher and Justin (Jill) Colbert and great grandchildren Kaitlyn and Shelby Purcell, Cohen, Willa and Welles Colbert.
Brother, Husband, Dad and Grandpa was deeply loved, and will be sorely missed by all who knew him, but his many cherished memories will live on forever.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents Bernard (Emma) Colbert father and mother-in-law John (Thelma) Starr, wife Patricia Colbert, great granddaughter Kaitlyn Purcell, brother and sister-in-law Robert (Jane) Starr, brother-in-law Edgar Peterson and nephew Daniel Starr.
In addition to those listed above Dick is survived by sister-in-law Phyllis Totten, one niece and four nephews.
A small private celebration of life for both Richard and Patricia will be announced and inurnment will occur at Rosehill Cemetery in Menlo, IA at a later date.
Memorials are to be made to Every Step Hospice, Kavanaugh House, 900 56th St., Des Moines, IA 50312 or The Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
