Donald Colburn

Donald L. Colburn's journey on this earth ended October 12, 2017 following a brief illness. He lived out his 91 years to the fullest. He was born on April 1, 1926 in Waverly, Iowa, the son of Dora F. Turner and Parley A. Colburn. On June 6, 1952, he was united in marriage to Lois Esaley of Hanover, PA.

Rev. Dr. Colburn received his B.A. degree from Cornell College, a Master of Divinity degree from Drew University, and a PhD in Psychology from Boston University. His boyhood roots on the farm, combined with his education, work, and travels, formed who Don Colburn was as a man, an adventurer, lifelong learner, humanitarian, father, husband, teacher, friend, and jokester.

Don's 30 year career as Professor of Psychology at Manchester University (Formerly, Manchester College) North Manchester, Indiana, molded his gifts as a teacher, mentor, and guide to countless students and colleagues. He served as Chairperson for the Department of Psychology for the greater portion of his tenure. A career highlight was the honor to work in collaboration with Dr. Anna Freud at the prestigious Tavistock Clinic in London, England. Additionally, he was honored by his students who, in a measure of their appreciation, established the Donald L. Colburn scholarship upon his retirement. Annually, this scholarship is awarded to a student at Manchester University majoring in Psychology.

Don was an avid reader, an agile skier, equestrian, tennis player, and cyclist, biking well into his 80's. In addition, he loved the theater, writing, poetry, music of all styles, traveling, gardening, cooking, and was a talented public speaker. Don was fortunate to have traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe with his family. In his later years, Don actively volunteered for numerous churches and organizations which reflected his various passions in life. Above and beyond all of this, Don was a friend and a comrade. He knew no strangers; And, that - perhaps - is what those who knew Don, cherished in him the most.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by sister, Vivian Baldwin.
He is survived by his wife, Lois (Esaley) Colburn; his son, Dr. Christopher Colburn (Solange); his daughter, Erica Colburn; three grandchildren: Bryce Vanstory, Caleb and Madeline Colburn; his sister, Lois Burroughs; many nieces and nephews; his dear friends, Jerry and Jan Bruce, and countless other close friends.

A private celebration of life service will be hosted by the family at a later date.

The family extends special thanks to the doctors, nurses, caregivers, and staffs of Tri-Star Skyline Medical Center and Alive Hospice.

For those wishing to leave notes of remembrance, a story, or an experience with Don, please note these via the obituary section (see guestbook) of the website, https://www.hendersonvillefh.com. Notes of remembrance are also welcomed by emailing them to loiscolburn@cinci.rr.com, ericacolburn21@yahoo.com, or alternatively, by mailing them to Erica Colburn 216 Morgan Circle Oxford, OH 45056.

In keeping with his wishes, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Public Radio (NPR) station of your choice, UNICEF, a food pantry of your choice, a local Humane Society, or Alive Hospice (https://www.alivehospice.org/support-us/donate-now or 1718 Patterson Street Nashville, TN 37203).