George William Colby

George William Colby, CMSgt, USAF – Retired

George William Colby, (85) was born on June 19, 1938 to Oliver Eugene and Lucy Mary (Osmer) Colby in Woodstock, Vermont. George attended Woodstock public schools graduating from Woodstock High School in the class of 1957.

George was preceded by his father and mother, his step-father Roger E. Chamberlain, sons Bruce George and John Jay, and sister Helen L. (Colby) Hoisington. His first wife Althea L. (Balch) Slocum.

He is survived by his current wife Chuancheun (Suanphat) Colby, daughters Diana J. Chavez and Nancy J. LeBeau, Son William G. Colby. Granddaughters Tanisha-Tai Frenzer, Angelique R. Chavez and JahJett-Lyn Chavez, Brittney LeBeau and grandson Nicholas LeBeau. Great grandchildren Cias Frenzer, Soren Frenzer, Alynna Romero, Nolyn Frenzer and Reya Romero.

He worked at various part time jobs while attending high school. His only sporting activity was one year on the high school football team. When time permitted he enjoyed hunting for any game and fishing. Ernest Jillson Jr., Edward Wardwell and Howard “Toppy” Gould were good friends and had great experiences. One such event was when George and Toppy one Halloween dragged a sleigh, behind George’s car, throughout the town until finally caught by the town police.

On June 20, 1957 George enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. His career lasted until June 30, 1983 after 26 years when he retired. George attained the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt). The military was a career he

enjoyed and would take on any tasking asked or assigned. He was permanently assigned to bases in Texas, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Bermuda, Michigan, Florida, Vietnam, Massachusetts, Thailand, The Philippines and Hawaii. He performed temporary duty (TDY) in Nebraska, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indonesia, Alabama, Taiwan, Guam, Thailand, The Philippines, Japan, Okinawa, South Korea, Australia, Johnston Island, Laos, and Cambodia. During his Vietnam tour of duty he was award the Bronze Star Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and two Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Other decorations, during his career, were Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with Six Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with Five Oak Leaf Clusters, NCO Professional Military Education (PME) Graduate Ribbon with Two Oak Leaf Clusters and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. He attended the three professional military education courses; NCO Leadership School, SAC NCO Academy and Air Force Senior NCO Academy. George was the Honor graduate with a 99.5% of the Postal Operations Course technical training at Keesler AFB, Mississippi. He represented the USAF Postal and Courier Service as Senior NCO of the Year for 1975. George served 15 years of foreign duty out of his 26 year military career.

In 1957 he married his first wife Althea. There were three children born to this marriage; Bruce George, John Jay and Nancy Jean Colby. This marriage ended in divorce in 1971.

In 1971 he met his current wife Chuancheun (Dang) and was married in 1972. There were two children born to this marriage; Diana J. (Colby)

Chavez and William G. Colby. George and Dang were married for (51) years.

In 1983 after leaving Hickam AFB, Hawaii the family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. There George worked as a Certified Store Manager in 7-11 stores, as a Dispatcher for an office machine sales and repair store and as a City Letter Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He retired from the postal service in May 2000.

While living in Albuquerque George did some volunteer work with the city Senior Affairs Office. He was active in his community Boyds-Leslie Park Neighborhood Association serving as president, vice president and trustee. George was also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post 10763 serving as Junior Vice Commander, Post Surgeon and Trustee.

After totally retired, George and Dang did several sea cruises and land tours and bought a RV and travelled around the U.S. Also, enjoyed attending military reunions. He was a past president and trustee and life member of the 509th Bombardment Wing Veterans Association. A member/ participant with the 303rd Air Refueling Squadron and the Air Force Postal and Courier Association. George was an avid reader and enjoyed listening to the old classic country, polka and bluegrass music.

George had several health issues and severe pain which considerably restricted his day-to-day activities. He was always thankful and appreciated the care he received from the Albuquerque Veterans Administration Medical Facility and their caregivers. He was also grateful and thankful to his wife Dang, daughter Diana and grandchildren for their unselfish day-to-day caregiving.

A memorial service, to honor the life of George W. Colby will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at the French - Wyoming Chapel. Viewing and visitation will begin at 10:00am, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00am.  Burial will follow immediately after service. This will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery at 1:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in George W. Colby's name to Military Veteran Project.