Johnnie Wilmer Colburn

Johnnie Wilmer Colburn (January 20, 1919 – July 23, 2017). He grew up as the son of a poor sharecropper, married the love of his life, Beatrice Myrtle Gerland Colburn, in 1941, and enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943. He was determined to be a pilot and qualified extremely well for B-17’s. He flew 30 missions in the European Theatre, including two on D-Day. He never lost a man and the only plane lost was when the airstrip in Potolava Russia (where they had landed) was bombed by the Germans and most planes were lost. A book by David Price has been published that contains the details of Johnnie’s missions (“A Bomber Crew Mystery”). The height of his life was being a Christian and serving his church. He was a deacon at both Bethany Baptist Church and White Oak Baptist Church. He was also an avid gardener and fisherman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice “Happy”; his son, John W. Colburn; his parents, Johnnie James Colburn and Lille Love Colburn; his siblings Era Lee Kitchen, Gladys Sanders, Aileen Montgomery, Hubert Colburn, Horris Colburn, Dorris Apple, and an infant that was not named. He is survived by his loving daughter, Darlene Colburn Whitt; his grandchildren Charles “Chuck” Colburn and wife Tracy, and son Cameron; Tricie Sonnier and husband, Dane; Jason Colburn and wife, Ana, and children Donnie, Lily, Penny, and Carolina; Amber Colburn; Tiffanie Terry and husband, Drew; and his beloved Chihuahua and constant companion, Fiona. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and their children. A visitation will be held Thursday, July 27th, from 5:00-8:00pm at Pat H. Foley, 1200 W 34th Street, Houston, Texas. His funeral will be held Friday, July 28th, at 1:00pm at the same location, officiated by Pastor John Bray of North Houston Baptist Church, and he will be interred at Brookside Cemetery, with full military honors.