Millard Joseph "Joe" Colbert, 85, of Montgomery City, MO, died at 12:45 AM on Thursday, February 15, 2018, surrounded by family at his daughter's home in Jonesburg, MO.

Millard Joseph Colbert was born on January 4, 1933 in Olney, MO, to Millard McCullie Colbert and Alice Mae Pines Colbert. He attended early elementary at Pine Knot elementary in Olney, later Silex Elementary School, and then graduated from Bowling Green High School in Bowling Green, MO. Mr. Colbert was a Veteran of the United States Air Force serving during the Korean War. On March 10, 1956, he married Mildred Lavon Graves in Vandalia, MO, at the United Methodist Church. They have been married for over 61 wonderful years. Mr. Colbert started out farming in the Olney area, but then later moved to Montgomery City and retired as a Production Foreman, first working at Ralston Purina, and then at Nutrina Feed Company. Mr. Colbert was an avid golfer, adding hole in one to his bragging rights, and was a 50 year member of the Montgomery Co. Golf Club. He enjoyed taking his family out to eat, playing pool, winning at cards, bowling, going to the Montgomery Co. Sr. Center and watching his grandchildren's sports activities. He was a former Khorey League Coach, umpire, and JC member.

Joe worked hard to provide for his wife and children; he loved his family deeply. Nothing made him happier than to be surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, telling stories and reminising about the good old days. He had a quick wit and sense of humor that made him loved by many. Joe was a straight shooter, always full of advice and wisdom. He taught his children that they had to work hard for what they wanted and to always take pride in everything they did, but most importantly in their families. He was a husband, father, and grandfather that could always be depended upon. His rosey cheeks, warm smile and bright blue eyes will forever be missed.

Mr. Colbert is survived by his wife, Mildred Lavon Colbert; five children: Rodney J. Colbert and wife, Sharon, of Montgomery City, MO; Beverly K. Elifritz and husband, Terry, of St. Peters, MO; Pamela Ludy and husband, Mark, of Jonesburg, MO; Ted Colbert and wife, Kaye Kaye, of Montgomery City, MO; and April McCown and husband, Daryl, of Mexico, MO; eight grandchildren: Jocelyn, Angie, Joshua, Kenna JO, Jessie, Emilee, Chelsea, and Dawson; and twelve great-grandchildren: Michael, Rylee, Brenna, Jacob, Hayden, GiGi, Hadley, Addison, Presley, Cullie, Sawyer and Merrin. Also surviving is his sister, Edna Tucker of St. Charles, MO; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, one beloved Aunt Linda, who turned 100 this week, and friends.

Mr. Colbert was preceded in death by his parents, Millard McCullie Colbert and Alice Mae Pines Colbert and his brother-in-law, James Tucker.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 19, 2018, at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO. The Reverend Ed Hankinson officiated and interment with full military honors was in the Olney Cemetery in Olney, MO. Visitation was held on Monday from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO. Casketbearers included Josh Ludy, Chad Francois, Alan Schluss, Dawson McCown, Jordan Fricke, Shayne Voss, Nate Fry, and Paul Johnson. Honorary casket bearers included Ron Messenger, Rodney Carroz, Ben March, and Donnie Cunningham.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Montgomery Co. Senior Center, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO 63361.