"I just recently learned of John?s death and wanted to pass along my very deepest condolences. I met John when I was trying to return my father?s leather aviator?s flight jacket to its original condition with proper era patches. I put out a request through one of the Facebook groups, and John very graciously gave me his VMFA-542 patch and told me wonderful stories about serving with my dad. He also sent me a copy of the cruise book during the time he and my dad were in Vietnam. I will never forget his generosity for sharing his patch and for the lovely things he told me about my father. Semper Fi, dear John. RIP. "
In loving memory of
John Howard Colburn
February 10, 1939 - March 22, 2020
John Howard Colburn, 81, of Lynnwood, WA passed away unexpectedly on March 22, 2020.
John was born February 10, 1939 in Bedford, IN to George Carr Colburn and Mary Elizabeth (Roberts) Colburn, both deceased. He married Carole Anne Fischer on November 30, 1964.
After graduation from Bedford High School with the class of 1959, John entered the United States Marine Corps and served the country which he dearly loved until his retirement in 1979 as a Gunnery Sergeant. He then went to work at Boeing and retired in 1995.
John was active in archery most of his adult life and was always an avid supporter of the sport he loved.
Survivors include two sons, Bill Colburn and fiancée Colette Glenn of Lake Forest Park, WA, and Johnny Colburn of Lynnwood, WA, a brother James Colburn and a sister Joanne Adams both of Bedford, IN, brother-in-law Bill Fischer and his wife Dee of Sanford, NC, and several nieces and nephews. John is preceded in death by his wife; Carole, twin brother; Thomas George Colburn (in infancy), and brother; Benjamin Carr Colburn.
John's kind, caring and playful nature will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him. Friends near and far are saddened by his passing.
Due to the mandates implemented as a response to COVID-19, a full military service will be conducted at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA, at a later date.
Tributes
"I just recently learned of John?s death and wanted to pass along my very deepest condolences. I met John when I was trying to return my father?s leather aviator?s flight jacket to its original condition with proper era patches. I put out a request through one of the Facebook groups, and John very graciously gave me his VMFA-542 patch and told me wonderful stories about serving with my dad. He also sent me a copy of the cruise book during the time he and my dad were in Vietnam. I will never forget his generosity for sharing his patch and for the lovely things he told me about my father. Semper Fi, dear John. RIP. "