Richard Earl "Bud" Colbert

Richard Earl “Bud” Colbert, age 91, of Joliet, Illinois, passed away on February 28, 2026. Born on November 11, 1934, in Joliet, he was the beloved son of Harry Colbert and Luella Colbert (née DePray).

Bud was a lifelong resident of Joliet, attending St. John’s grade school before becoming a proud graduate of Joliet Township High School. He continued his education by earning his Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Joliet Junior College, preparing for a career dedicated to serving his community.

A proud veteran of the Korean War as a member of the U.S. Airforce, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, as well as a Good Conduct Medal. Bud carried his sense of duty and commitment into his professional life. He served the City of Joliet with honor as a member of the Joliet Fire Department, retiring as Battalion Chief after many years of faithful service.

Bud was an avid sports fan and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his children, grandchildren and his favorite sports teams. Above all, he was a devoted husband of sixty-one years to his beloved wife, Margaret. Their enduring marriage was a testament to love, loyalty, and partnership.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Luella Colbert (née DePray); his wife Margaret Colbert (née McKay); and his brothers Raymond Colbert and Robert Colbert.

Bud is survived by his loving children Leslie Wilkinson, Christine Klepfer, Robert (Teri) Colbert, and Richard Colbert; his cherished grandchildren Jennifer (Dave) Grimsley, Kristen (Michael) Klepfer, Erin (Rick) Weiss, Lindsey (Josh) Fallin, Casey Colbert, Jake (Todd) Colbert, and Kate Colbert; his great-grandchildren Colin, Madison, Gavin, Dylan, Peyton, Hudson, Elliot, Jack, and Olivia; sisters Joann (the late Jim) Misewicz, and Mary (the late Roger) Brown; and brother Ronald (Dorothy) Colbert. He is also survived by numerous extended family members, friends, and other loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bud’s honor may be directed to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care at 250 Water Stone Circle Joliet, IL 60431 or https://lightways.org/one-time-donation/.

Bud will be remembered for his strength, integrity, dedication to his family, and unwavering commitment to serving others. His legacy of love and service will continue to live on through all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Rd. Joliet, IL 60435 from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm. All guests are invited to return to Tezak’s on the morning of Monday, March 9, 2026 at 9:30 am for Chapel Prayers before we will travel in procession to The Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, 604 N. Raynor Ave. Joliet to celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am. Immediately following Mass, we will process to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Rd. Elwood, IL for an Interment Committal Service with Full Military Honors at 1:30 pm.