Myron Colber

Myron “Bud” Colber passed on to heaven from his home in Grand Rapids, Michigan on July 22, 2026. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on 27 January 1933 to parents Everett and Helen Colber, the second of three children. Myron, a man of deep faith, had a servant heart, cherished his family, and loved life.

The GI bill encouraged his higher education studies, always in music, from Greenville University (IL) to Indiana University and his final degree from Michigan State University. He devoted his 40-year career to teaching and church music, with tenures on the music faculty at Michigan State University and University of Arkansas, plus Minister of Music roles with several congregations. His shadow career was carpentry, a skill that led him to build two family homes with unnumbered handyman and remodeling projects for others.

Myron retired from education in 1997 and devoted his time principally to three passions: teaching English as a second language, woodworking, and singing. Laura Jane introduced Myron to ESL teaching, and together for twenty years, as volunteers, they taught ESL locally, but also in Taiwan, China, Lithuania, and Russia. Wherever they lived, their home was always open, hosting/mentoring International students/friends.

Myron treasured his time in the woodworking shop. He expressed fully in woodworking his bent as a craftsman and artist, designing and crafting pieces such as hall trees and bookcases. His kitchen step-ups grace the homes of family and friends far and wide, even in China. This kept him connected to his blue collar upbringing as his career pulled him away into white collar academe.

Singing was his gift and joy. In high school through university he prioritized singing in musical theatre and various choirs & ensembles. In the Army he traveled with a men’s chorus in occupied Europe and later sang with the Sixteen Singing Men on Moody Bible Radio in Chicago. In early retirement he was a member of the Bach Collegium in Southwestern Michigan.

Although leisure often was disguised as yet another side carpentry job, he delighted in reading, fishing inland lakes in Ontario, and Christian discipleship groups. He was an avid reader, most recently enjoying Wendell Berry. He collected a library of fishing and woodworking books, each of which served as his teacher for his avocation. He always had 5 - 10 books on his Christmas list. His annual week-long fishing trip to Ontario was an adventure and one more chance to catch “the big one.” It also fostered lasting friendships with fishing companions. He found good community in the men’s discipleship groups at Second Reformed Church in Kalamazoo and LaGrave Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids.

Myron married Laura Jane Burtch on 20 April 1957 in Detroit, Michigan. They were blessed with two children, Douglas and Kristin. Four grandchildren have been a joy, and he dearly loved each one.

Myron was preceded in death by his daughter Kristin Colber-Baker and older sister Janette Colber Starr. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years Laura Jane ( Burtch) Colber, son Douglas Colber, son-in-law Joe Baker, younger sister Judy Colber, and grandchildren Quinn Baker, Evelyn Colber, Aaron Baker, and Garrett Colber.

A memorial service will be held Friday, August 7, 2026 at 1 PM at La Grave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, 107 La Grave Avenue SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Friends may visit with his family beginning at 12 PM. A luncheon will be held after the service. Interment with military honors will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI.

If you wish to make a memorial gift, the family suggests a donation to - Two charities close to Myron’s heart are Hope Africa University and Compassion International - or a charity of your choice.

Hope Africa University is a highly respected Christian liberal arts university founded by the Free Methodist Church and located in Bujumbura, Republic of Burundi. www.haufriends.org

Compassion International is an international Christian mission based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Kristin, the late daughter of Myron and Laura Jane, served on its board and sponsored several children. In honor of Kristin, it has put in place a program in Togo, Africa www.compassion.com/kristincolberbaker