Eddie Dean Colbert

Eddie Dean “Red Eddie” Colbert

1952 – 2025

The grooviest husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend — Eddie Dean Colbert brought laughter, light, and life to every room he entered. Known for his quick wit, infectious smile, and unforgettable dance moves, Eddie never failed to steal the show. On Friday, October 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Kansas City, Missouri, Eddie entered eternal rest at the age of 73.

Born in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1952 to Mary and Arthur Colbert, Eddie grew up alongside his siblings, building lifelong friendships and deep family bonds. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1972 to 1974, earning the rank of SPC4 and a certificate in Fixed Station Radio Equipment Operations and Maintenance. After completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Eddie transferred to Fort Monmouth, New Jersey — where he made one of the most important phone calls of his life.

From the base, he called his sweetheart, Claudia Dyche, back home in Kansas City and asked her to marry him. Claudia said yes, flew to New Jersey, and in 1973 they were married. The following year, the newlyweds returned to Kansas City, Kansas, where they were greeted joyfully by their families. Together, Eddie and Claudia raised two children — Gail and Eddie Jr. — and later welcomed daughter Elena into their hearts.

Eddie’s early years at home were marked by hard work and resilience. While working with his brother-in-law Tom, hanging sheetrock, who was like a second father, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma — a tough blow for a young father. Given a grim prognosis, Eddie decided to live life on his own terms. He left the hospital, cracked open a beer, and went right back to doing what he did best — laughing, loving, and living large. Against the odds, he beat cancer, forever cementing his reputation as one bad-ass groovy guy.

He went on to learn welding and hydraulics, working on trash trucks and mastering mechanical trades through his own curiosity and creativity. Eddie had a knack for fixing the unfixable — designing parts, fabricating solutions, and always finding a way to make things work. For a time, he and Claudia owned and managed a beloved local bar once run by his mother, a venture full of meaning and memories.

Eddie later joined the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad as a pipefitter, where he worked for 10 years before retiring due to a back injury. Though he hung up his work boots, his energy, humor, and “Red Eddie” charm never faded.

Throughout his life, Eddie had a deep love for animals — every cat or dog he cared for was part of the family. He often said one of the hardest things he ever did was saying goodbye to his loyal companions Kibbles and, later, Oscar — memories that never failed to stir emotion.

In his later years, Eddie faced numerous health challenges, including multiple battles with cancer. Yet through it all, he never lost his spark. His humor, love for family, and signature groovy spirit endured until the very end. He wanted nothing more than for the people he loved to be happy — and he made sure they smiled every step of the way.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents Mary Hurley and Arthur Colbert, and brothers Carl and Richard Colbert. He is survived by his devoted wife Claudia Colbert; children Gail Lytch (Brad), Eddie Dean Colbert Jr. (Kristen), and Elena Hunsaker (Sam); grandchildren Aubrey and Ashley Lytch, Emily and Caleb Colbert, and Chloe and Chelsi Hunsaker; siblings Claudette Townsend, Mary Smith, Dale Colbert (Jennifer), and Harold Colbert (Cathy); and many nieces and nephews who absolutely adored their Uncle Eddie.

Eddie was cremated, and his ashes will be laid to rest at the Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS, with full military honors.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 25, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Riverview Event Space, 804 Woodswether Road, Kansas City, MO 64105. A memorial ceremony will take place from 2:30–3:00 p.m., followed by music, food, and plenty of fun — just the way Eddie would have wanted it. All who knew and loved Eddie are welcome to join in celebrating his incredible life.

Even after all these years, Eddie stayed groovy. And now, his rhythm lives on in the hearts of everyone who loved him.