Douglas L. Colbert

Douglas L. Colbert, 72, of Johnstown, Colorado peacefully went to heaven surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colorado. He was born on March 2, 1946, in Linton, Indiana, to Eugene and Dora (Winkler) Colbert. Doug married the love of his life, Brenda (Waymire) Colbert on August 23, 1975. Doug grew up in Washington, Indiana and graduated from Washington High School with the class of 1964.  He served in the Army National Guard as a Military Police Officer from February to October 1966. Doug developed a love for flying and began his career in aviation at the Davies County Airport in Washington, Indiana.  There he worked for Ray Clark, Washington Aviation as an instructor and flew short charter trips.  In 1971 Doug went to work for Vincennes University as a flight instructor and the next year promoted to the Charter Department as a charter pilot.  He flew the University airplane with University personnel and local charters for other companies.  Doug was a contract pilot for Golden Rule Life Insurance, Zanetis Oil and McCormack Trucking.  In 1973 Doug became the single pilot for Triple T Fertilizer Co. and later chief pilot, flying and managing the company Learjet.  When he left Triple T he flew temporarily for Kimball Furniture in Huntingburg, Indiana before moving to Muncie, Indiana to fly for Muncie Power Products.  In 1980 Doug began flying for Ball Corporation.  In 1998 Doug became the Chief Pilot and Director of Aviation for Ball until he retired in March 2008. Doug enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.  He rode thousands of miles across the U.S. over the years with Brenda and many friends.  Recently Doug moved from riding motorcycles to traveling in his motorhome.  Doug enjoyed spending the winters in Arizona and the Florida Keys with Brenda.  They were always on the go.  Doug loved spending time with his family and all of his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife Brenda (Waymire) Colbert of Johnstown, Colorado, sister Jane (Dirk) Chickedantz of Washington, Indiana, son Christopher (Nicole) Colbert of Severance, Colorado, daughter Elizabeth (Jacob) Pattillo of Firestone, Colorado, seven grandchildren, Austin Colbert, Bryson Colbert, Emma Colbert, Asher Colbert, Cailyn Pattillo, Sadie Colbert, and Corbin Pattillo. Doug is preceded in death by his parents A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, March 23, 2018, at Viegut Funeral Home in Loveland, Colorado, Lenny Scovel officiating. A reception will follow services at the Viegut Reception Center. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in Doug’s name, in lieu of flowers.