Jerry L. ‘Doc’ Colburn, 88

Jerry L. “Doc” Colburn, 88, of Scottsbluff, died Sunday, August 8, 2021. His funeral service was held Friday, August 13, 2021, at First Presbyterian Church in Scottsbluff with Pastor Jeff Fiet officiating. Interment followed in the Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff with military honors provided by the United States Navy. Memorials may be given to Boy Scouts of America, Longs Peak Council or Western Nebraska Ducks Unlimited in Jerry’s name. Online condolences may be left at www.bridgmanfunealhome. com. Bridgman Funeral Home of Scottsbluff was entrusted with arrangements.

Jerry was born June 5, 1933, in Valentine and was the son of Frank L. and Harriet (Stevenson) Colburn. He received his education at Valentine Public School System, graduating from Valentine High School. During high school he was a lightweight boxer and won the golden glove for his weight class.

He continued his education after an honorable discharge from the Navy at Hastings College and Southern College of Optometry earning a Doctorate in Optometry.

On September 2, 1956, he was united in marriage to Roberta Roosa in Valentine. From this union, three children were born: Jeanette, Paul, and Andrea.

In 1961, Jerry and Roberta moved to Scottsbluff and purchased Dr. Berkley's Optometric practice. He soon outgrew that practice and built Scottsbluff Vision Clinic on 1st Avenue. He was able to help many people with the gift of sight until his retirement in 2000. His passion influenced his son and grandson to continue his legacy today. After his retirement, he branched out from making dandelion wine in his college bathtub to becoming an award-winning winemaker.

He is preceded in death by his wife Roberta; parents; brother Jim Colburn; brother-in-law Dick Lines; grandson Tyler Colburn; and great-grandson William Weinreis.

He is survived by his sister Delores Lines of Ft. Meyers, FL; children: Jeanette (Craig Emmanuel) of Laramie, WY, Paul (Deneen) of Scottsbluff, and Andrea of Ft. Collins, CO; grandchildren Brian Colburn (Mag Rother) of Scottsbluff, and Amy Weinreis (Brent) of Edgemont, SD; sister-in-law Janet and Dave Larson of Indianapolis, IN; brother-in-Law Richard and Judy Roosa of Valentine and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.