Photo courtesy of Muehlebach Funeral Care - Kansas City
Jan 7, 1941 - Dec 27, 2018 (Age 77)
I loved u Danny. My friend and a wonderful brother.
Joan Borisenko- Williams
July 30, 2023 | Oklahoma City, OK | Family
I remember the fun my mother had visiting my uncle Dans office.
Uncle Dan brought joy and humor to those around him.
Chris Papin
January 28, 2019 | Edmond, OK | Family
A nice memory of my uncle Dan taking my grandfather Neal, Sr. and my mother, Carol, to see The
Colby Car in Mason City, Iowa.
My uncle Dan was kind and always there for my Moher and her family.
Michael Papin
January 28, 2019 | Edmond, OK | Family
It seems like only a moment ago when, Neal was walking his oldest son Shawn down the wedding isle to add to my happiness.
To my brother NEAL DANEL COLBY, JR S Family, Colleagues and Friends,
One of Neals favorite songs As Time Goes By says so much about life. Neals legacy, will be remembered by the impact of his lifes dedicated contributions to his family, his local community and communities across our nation. Through his leadership in Kansas City Missouri and Washington D.C. may we find comfort in remembering Neals accomplishments at work through his intellectual mind, creative abilities, his true...
Carol Papin
January 28, 2019 | Edmond, OK | Sister
To my brother NEAL DANEL COLBY, JR S Family, Colleagues and Friends,
One of Neal's favorite songs As Time Goes By says so much about life. Neal's legacy, will be remembered by the impact of his life's dedicated contributions to his family, his local community and communities across our nation. Through his leadership in Kansas City Missouri and Washington D.C. may we find comfort in remembering Neal's accomplishments at work through his intellectual mind, creative abilities, his true...
Carol Papin
January 28, 2019 | Edmond, OK | Sister
Remembering that Neal was the first director of the Headstart Program in Kansas City, KS around 1965. I was his head teacher. Extending my heartfelt sympathy, respect, & love and thanking him for his great contribution to the people of this community. With love, Patsy Mitchell
Patricia Mitchell
January 06, 2019 | Kansas City, MT | Friend
My condolences for the loss of Neil. What a good man he was. Prayers are with you.
Darcy McGrath
January 06, 2019
I am truly sorry for your loss. My warmest condolences go out to the family and friends of Neal. May our loving Heavenly Father provide you with the comfort and support that you need during this difficult time. Psalms 145:18,19
January 04, 2019
I was so sorry to read about Neal's passing. I met him early in my nonprofit career and recognized him as a tireless advocate for people who were disadvantaged.
Praying for your comfort at this time,
Susan Ray
Susan Ray
January 04, 2019 | Kansas City, MO | Acquaintance
After a lifetime of taking care of his family and his community, Neal Daniel Colby, Jr. died at home on Thursday, December 27, 2018. Neal was born in Milwaukee, WI on January 7, 1941, the eldest child of Neal Daniel and Mary Charlotte (née Allen) Colby. He graduated from St. Benedict’s College with a degree in History followed by an advanced degree in social welfare from the University of Kansas. Neal served 40 years at Catholic Charities, 25 years as director. His long tenure was notable for its impressive expansion of services and advocacy initiatives to improve the lives of the poor and vulnerable.
Neal touched countless people from his early work facilitating adoptions, counseling troubled youth and helping resettle refugees. Later in his career, as Executive Director of Catholic Charities, he left a legacy of affordable housing for the poor, elderly and disabled. He brought attention to the emerging AIDS crisis, helped initiate the Mayor's Task Force on AIDS and the formation of the AIDS Council. This work led to the establishment of the SAVE home, the first hospice house in Missouri dedicated to serving those with HIV/AIDS. His collaboration with others established the Missouri Adoption and Foster Care Coalition. He was instrumental in pressing for state laws for open adoptions and improved health care for the medically underserved. His pioneering work in home health care created a system that allowed the elderly to age in place with the people and places they loved. The list of his good work could go on but suffice to say he lived his life for others, most of whom he never knew and left the world a better place.
Neal enjoyed sailing, hunting, golf, and coaching his boys in a variety of sports. He was an avid dog lover and dedicated to the care of his immediate and extended family. He was preceded in death by his mother, his sister Charlotte, and this past October by his father who was 103. He is survived by the love of his life, Mary Bernice (Bernie) Colby, his sons Shawn (Alena), Brian (Soodie) and Kevin along with grandchildren Sofia and his namesake, Danny. He is also survived by two sisters, Carol Papin and Joan Williams, and many nieces and nephews. In keeping with Neal’s wishes, there will be a brief memorial followed by a reception. A Celebration of Neal’s Life will be held Friday, January 4th at Tighe Hall at Visitation Church, 5141 Main St., from 6 to 8pm. Contributions may be sent to Benedictine College, Atchison, KS.
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