Robert A. “Bob” Colbert, age 79, of Freeport, Illinois, was welcomed home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on the evening of Wednesday, July 29, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Bob shared 57 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Gayla Colbert (Lance). Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and love.

To know Bob was to know how much his family meant to him. While he carried many titles throughout his life, “Papa” was his most cherished. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose greatest legacy is in the family he loved so faithfully.

Bob was a jokester who loved making those around him laugh, but he was also a fighter. For years, he remained resilient in his battle with health challenges, maintaining tremendous strength and perseverance. In any struggle, he never wavered in his faith, dedication, or positive attitude.

A friend to many and a proud veteran of the United States Army, Bob served in the 101st Airborne Division, the “Screaming Eagles”, during the Vietnam War. The strength, courage, and determination he carried during his service remained evident throughout his life.

Above all, Bob was a devout Christian who loved Jesus and faithfully encouraged his family to follow Him and walk with Him throughout their lives. His faith was not only something he spoke about, but something he lived. His love for the Lord and the faith he instilled in his family remain among the greatest gifts he leaves behind.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Gayla; his children, Sara (Eric) McDermott of Shannon, IL., Kimberly (David) Hauck of Dixon, IL., and Garrett (Laura) Colbert of Waupaca, WI.; his grandchildren, Courtney (James) O’Marrah of Rockford, IL., Trevor Hauck and his fiancée McKenzie Carey of Morris, IL., Caitleigh (Ethan) Larson of Delavan, WI., J’Adore Hauck of Dixon, IL., Lily Colbert, Lincoln Colbert, and Easton Colbert of Waupaca, WI.; and his great-grandchildren, Alexzander, Carsten, Jay Jay, and Colton O’Marrah of Rockford, IL.. And his much-loved grand-dogs, Peaches, Skye, and Ollie.

He is also survived by his brothers, Don Colbert of Waupaca, WI., and Jerry Colbert of Dandridge, TN.; many beloved nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his father, Floyd Garrett Colbert Sr., and his mother, Ida Kay (Kerkhoff) Colbert. His siblings, Martha (Colbert) Zimmerman, Thelma (Colbert) Buckwalter, Larry Colbert, Floyd Colbert Jr., and Lloyd Colbert.

Bob’s greatest legacy is the family he loved and the faith he instilled in them. His family will carry forward his love for Jesus, his strength, his laughter, and the countless memories they were blessed to share with him.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Visitation and funeral services will be held Thursday, August 13th at Zion Church, located at 4292 W. Stephenson St. Rd., Freeport, IL. 61032. The visitation will begin at 10 am, funeral will begin at 11 am. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. Upon the conclusion of services, a luncheon will be held at Zion Church. A memorial fund has been established.