C. Miles Colbert

C. Miles Colbert peacefully transitioned from his earthly body to his heavenly home on August 2, 2008. Miles, as he was affectionately known, was preceded in death by his parents Virginia "Jenny" Washington Colbert and Grant Grove Colbert, Sr., his wife, Louise Mills Colbert, and six siblings: Margaret (Cyrus), Geraldine (Craighead), Charles, Sr., Grant, Jr., Stanley, Sr., and Joyce (Collins). Miles was educated in the Harrisburg School System. He graduated from William Penn High School in 1948 where he lettered in track. Upon graduation he served with the United States Navy for four years. On July 11, 1953 he married Louise in Bellefonte, PA. During their 41 years of marriage, three children were born: Karen Denise, Keith Daryl, and Keri Duane. Family values were first and foremost to Miles and Louise as they spent time traveling as a family, enjoying and explaining the scenery, pointing out God's creations. They both stressed education, high values, morals and responsibility to their children. Being an avid reader, Miles kept abreast of current events by reading a variety of newspapers, sports and financial periodicals; he was also Internet savvy. Miles wanted the best for his family. For 38 years he dedicated himself to working two full-time jobs. Starting in 1950, he began his federal civil service career as a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service, and 1959, he worked with the Pennsylvania State Department of Public Welfare. When Miles retired he delivered meals to senior citizens with the Meals on Wheels Program; worked with the Schrienerstown Civic Association, and other activities within his community. He received the Right Hand of Fellowship under Christian Experience on February 2, 2003 at The Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church where he served on the Senior Usher Board. The example he set for his children is only a portion of his legacy. Miles' love for sports, particularly track, lead him as a spectator to attend the Olympics of 1976 in Montreal and then to several U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials: 1988/Indianapolis, 1992/New Orleans, 1996/Atlanta, 2000/Los Angeles and 2004/Sacramento. He was a big follower of local (high school) and national football, boxing and basketball. The camaraderie he built with friends and family attending the District, State and Penn Relays track events, built a wealth of memories that will always be cherished. The phrase This Bud's for You is one that Miles could relate to after a hard day's work. Humility and loyalty were a natural part of his personality. As a converstionalist, his mild mannerisms made his presence always welcomed. He was a good neighbor and friend to all, known for his willingness to help people, and never spoke a bad word about anyone. He was devoted to helping his siblings as they aged and their health diminished; he became the family anchor. He lived by God's teachings showing true Agape Love to all who entered into his presence. Miles is survived by his sister Virginia Jenny Colbert (Camp Hill) and leaves to cherish his memory his children Karen (Catonsville, MD), Keith (Frederick, MD) and Keri (Hampton, VA); grandchildren Kylin Miles Stubblefield (Columbus, OH), Anesha Lynn (US Air Force), Angela Monique (Harrisburg, PA), Keri Duane, Jr. (Austin, TX), Monica Nicole (Syracuse Univ.), Keenen Darius (Austin, TX); 1 great-grandchild, Diamond; special sister-in-law, Beverly Butcher (Suisun, CA); special friend Cheryl Gillespie (Harrisburg, PA) and a of host of other relatives and close friends.