Hugh Leon "H.L." Colbert

Hugh Leon “H.L.” Colbert June 23, 1925 - February 1, 2022 Hugh Leon Colbert, affectionately known as “Uncle Chel,” was born on June 23, 1925, in Electra, Texas to Hugh Carl and Evalyn May Sorrells Colbert. He grew up in between two sisters, Josephine (Berry) who was five years older and Glenda (Patton) who was two years younger. He passed away at his home on February 1, 2022, at the age of 96. He graduated from the Electra High School’s class of 1942 at the age of 16 where he was drum major. He joined the US Army in 1943 during World War II serving as messenger for Company B of the 422nd Infantry Regiment of the 106th Division. He was captured on December 19, 1944, by German forces during the Battle of the Bulge. He served as a POW from the day he was captured until he was liberated by American forces on April 16, 1945. His family is especially proud of his military service and the honor he brought to his country. He later attended North Texas State College in Denton, Texas in 1950 and graduated with a degree in accounting. While living in Denton, he introduced his sister, Glenda, to Bob Patton who she was married to for 66 years. H. L. moved to Abilene to accept a position with GeoChemical. He never married but took care of his parents by living with them and providing a home. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America setting high standards with his troop. He earned awards and decorations as a scoutmaster to include the Order of the Arrow among many others. H.L. later moved to Dallas in 1968 to work at Sabine Oil & Gas Corporation where he retired. He was active in the Eastridge Baptist Church in Red Oak, Texas where he served as a Deacon and donated the organ in the name of his mother, Evalyn May Colbert. He was preceded in death by his parents, Evalyn May Colbert and Hugh Carl Colbert, sisters Opal Josephine Berry and Glenda Nell Colbert, brothers-in-law WH Berry and Bob Patton. He is survived by his nieces Janice Perry (Lampasas), Diane Nabholtz (Dallas) and Elaine Sveen (Mike/Dallas) and nephew John Patton (Jan/Ennis). Great nieces and nephews include Jana Townsend (Josh/Lampasas), Joni Hoxsey (Dave/Texas) Elizabeth Allen (Dallas), Megan Trimble (Brandon/Dallas), Rick Moses (Austin), Cheryl Cook (Todd/CA), David Sveen (Lauren/CA), Sara Sveen (Erin/South Carolina). He has seven great-great nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank JeRome Alexander for his loving commitment and service as a caretaker to H.L. during the last 3 years. The family will receive friends at Eastridge Baptist Church, 732 Ovilla Road, Red Oak, Texas on Monday, February 7, 2022, at 10:00 A.M. prior to the service at 11:00 A.M with Brother Jack Ables officiating. Interment will follow at 2:30 P.M. at West End Cemetery, Stephenville, Texas with military honors.