Foster – William B. Colburn, 83, of Pierce Road, died Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at the Alpine Nursing Home in Coventry. He was the beloved husband of Gertrude F. (Schofield) Colburn. Mr. and Mrs. Colburn celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 12, 2008.

Born in Providence he was a son of the late Walter B. and Bessie D. (Bedson) Colburn and had lived in Warwick before moving to Foster in 1966. He worked for thirty-four years as a machinist for the Leesona Corporation, Warwick, before retiring in 1978. He was a United States Navy veteran of World War II.

He was a member of the Moswansicut Riding & Driving Club serving as Club Treasurer for thirty years. He was a former director of the Leesona Credit Union and a former secretary of the Potterville Volunteer Fire Department. For forty-two years he and his wife danced with the Friendly Mixers Square Dance Club. For many years he was a member of the Cathedral of St. John, Providence.

Besides his wife he is survived by two sons William G. Colburn of Ashville, NC and Charles R. Colburn of Kissimmee, FL; one brother Robert B. Colburn of Warwick, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Emma Altoff.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday at 11:00 AM in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, South County Trail, Exeter. Burial with military honors will follow. Donations in his memory may be made to Foster Human Services, 181 Howard Hill Road, Foster, RI 02825 Information and condolences at www.carpenterjenks.com.

Reported: 10/06/08 (Show all obituaries for this day)
By: Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home and White Dove Crematory (Show all obituaries and information about this funeral home)

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