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Howard Colby Obituary

Howard Colby

Greenfield, MO - Howard Leslie Colby, 78, son of Robert F. and Marie (Andrus) Colby passed away on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO after a sudden illness just days after moving to Greenfield, MO from Florida.

He was born on July 30, 1946 in Northampton, MA. Howard was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth Masloski on November 1, 1968 in Northampton, MA. He worked in the dining service at Amherst College until he became disabled in 1991.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Robert and Marie Colby; and one son, Bryan.

Howard is survived by his wife, Mary; one daughter, JoAnn; one son, Jamie; seven siblings: Gordon, Robert, Michael E., Lorraine, Gale, Michael, and Tracy; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Howard was a very kind soul and will be dearly missed.

Private family memorial services will be held at a later date. Cremation services are under the care of Greenfield Funeral Chapel, Missouri.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Mar. 15, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Colby

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5 Entries

Amanda and Shane Ott

March 17, 2025

Our condolences to the Colby family. We have a lot of good memories with him and the laughs over the years will be cherished. He was a great guy and we know how much you guys miss him.

William Cichanowicz

March 15, 2025

Howard was a great guy. He and Mary made a nice couple. I am saddened to hear of his passing. I'm sure he will be missed by All who knew him. Rest in Peace now, Howard Colby.

joe yeskie

March 15, 2025

R.I.P. howard,a friend from the 6o's

Linda Eldred

March 15, 2025

Howard was a wonderful man, always helpful and caring
It was with sadness when I heard of his passing
Sending my sincerest sympathy to Mary, Jamie and Joanne during this difficult time
He will be missed by many.

Linda (Rice) Larouche

March 15, 2025

So sorry to hear about Howie. He had such a gentle spirit. I actually was thinking about him the other day. The entire family is in my thoughts and prayers.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Greenfield Funeral Chapel

61 N. Allison, Greenfield, MO 65661

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