Keith Colson, 81, of Midland, passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2013. Memorial services will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel in Midland with Billy Raies, officiating. Interment will be held in Oakland, NE Tuesday, December 17, 2013 under the direction of Pelan Funeral Home, 402-685-5673.Keith was born January 24, 1932 in Oakland, NE to Quentin D. and Cleo B. (Stack) Colson. They later moved to South Sioux City, NE where he attended high school, graduating in 1949.He attended the University of Nebraska, graduating with a Civil Engineering degree. Following graduation, he entered the Army with a ROTC commission of second lieutenant of infantry. He became career Army for 26 years, retiring as a colonel in 1980 from Ft. Leavenworth, KS.His postings included several places in the United States. His service includes a post with the Army General Staff in Washington, DC. Overseas he served in Panama, Puerto Rico, Alaska, Hawaii, Korea and 2 tours in Vietnam.His badges and medals include the Combat Infantry badge, the Parachute badge, the Pathfinder badge, the Ranger tab, and the Army General Staff Badge. His medals include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star for time in combat, the Meritorious Service medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, the Air medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, and the Army Commendation medal with 1 oak leaf cluster. Foreign medals included the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.Upon retirement, he and his family moved to Midland, TX where he was employed by Texas Employers Insurance Company as a safety engineer. He later worked for the Bitamin Insurance Company and as the loss prevention manager for the Financial Insurance Company of America.He married Naomi George, his high school sweetheart, on October 29, 1960 at Ft. Benning, GA. On October 29, 2013 they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.Keith played football for the University of Nebraska and remained an avid Cornhusker alumni. Keith began playing golf in junior high school and remained a dedicated golfer for the rest of his life. He accomplished 2 holes-in-one in his golfing career.He enjoyed listening to jazz music, studying God’s word, doing crossword puzzles, and playing 42. The greatest joy of his life was spending time with his family and friends.He is survived by his wife, Naomi; son, Eric Colson of Waco, TX; daughter, Sandra Cox and son-in-law Dr. Cody Cox of Lubbock, TX; daughter, Debbie Colson Gloden and son-in-law Terryll Gloden of Guymon, OK; and daughter-in-law, Joanne Almon Colson of Gainesville, TX; twelve grandchildren, Quentin, Daniel, Leah, David Keith, Jared, Sarah, and Keri Colson, Ashley, Courtney, and Madisyn Cox, and Hannah and Lainey Gloden; brother-in-law, Leland George and wife Irene of Sioux Falls, SD; and wonderful nephews, cousins, and friends.He is preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law Ralph and Edna (Salin) George, brother-in-law Bernard George, nephew Randy George, and aunt and uncle Gene and Delores Colson.In lieu of flowers, please give to a charity of your choice, or thank military servicemen and veterans for their service.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: ww,
