CPO Charles R. Colby U.S. Navy, (Ret.)

Charles Robert "Bob" Colby was born in Smith Center, KS on June 30, 1946 to Dave Miles Colby and Helen Christine (Paulsen) Colby. Bob attended school in Phillipsburg, KS, graduating in 1964 and enlisted in the Navy for three years.

In 1969 he attended NWK VTS in Goodland, KS studying data processing. There he met the love of his life, Candy Ross. They were married June 20, 1970 in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cheyenne Wells, CO. The were blessed with two sons, David and Joshua.

In 1973 Bob rejoined the US Navy. During his career he served aboard two aircraft carriers, two squadrons, joint interface task force, seabees and other commands. Bob earned several medals and commendations. He also received an associates degree in business.

After a total of 23 years in the Navy, Bob decided to retire in 1992. He loved spending time with his boys playing pranks on each other. A few years later, Bob and Candy headed east, eventually settling in Norton, KS.

Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, football on TV, motorcycle road trips and poker runs with his niece Janet. Bob was a member for life in the American Legion; in 2020 he was honored to receive a Quilt of Valor. Bob's health was declining and in 2024 the boys persuaded their parents to move to Colorado Springs to be near family. Bob's health continued to worsen and the Lord called him home on December 27, 2024.

Bob was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Candy "Lovey", sons; David Lee (Lori) Colby and Joshua Stuart (Kiesha) Colby, grandson; Anthony Colby; great-grandson Asher Colby, brother; David (Carolyn) Colby and sister; Mary Stanton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Karen Eihausen (Lee) and Cathy Colby.

Bob will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.

~Fair Winds and Following Seas~

A memorial service for Charles will be held Friday, January 24, 2025 from 11:00 AM at Peterson Chapel on PSFB, 455 Vincent St, Colorado Springs, CO 80914.

Following the memorial service will be a committal service with military honors from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennen Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80925.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Charles' name to a charity of your choice.