Arizona Native Richard A. Colson 78, born in Tucson and lived in Phoenix most of his life. He was married for 56 years to his high school sweetheart Lee Stilley also of Phoenix. He is survived by three children, Cynthia L. Bedoya (Eddie) of Phoenix, Richard A. Colson II of Chandler and Amy L. Laubach (Kurt) of Phoenix, six grandchildren; Nicholas Marquez, Leah Kuhl, Richard Brandon LeVangie, Amber LeVangie, Richard A. Colson III Carter Colson, and six great-grandchildren. He spent 36 years with the Military (Army NG) retiring as Chief of Staff, Arizona Army National Guard. His decorations include the Arizona Distinguished Service Medal w/V device for Heroism, U.S. Army Commendation Medal, The US Army Meritorious Service Medal and the US Army Legion of Merit. After retirement from the military, he was appointed State of Arizona Director of Emergency Management by Governors Bruce Babbit, Evan Mecham and Rose Mofford. He was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in October 2006. Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, June 11, 2010 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road. Interment will follow at 2:30 P.M. at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Hospice of the Valley.
Debbie Bedoya
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during your time of sorrow. May time and memories help to ease your pain.
Frank Bedoya
Cindy and family … my thoughts and prayers are with you all. May his memory be with you forever. “No time on earth is long enough for those we love … or to prepare our hearts for goodbye.” On behalf of our family, our condolences to you all!
A Friend
When my father pasted and we needed to get back to Europe he was there for us. We were young and financially strapped. We will never forget him or his wonderful family. He will be missed. I am sure that he touched many in the same way.
Forrest Ayer
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Over the years we had some great times!
Sorry I can’t be there.My dentist told me of Dick’s death while I
was in his chair this afternoon.