Photo courtesy of Cooke Funeral Home and Crematorium - Nitro
Cross Lanes, West Virginia
1940 - 2019
Gary Alan Kolb, 79, of Cross Lanes, WV passed away July 3, 2019 after a long illness and was surrounded by his family. Gary was born March 13, 1940 in Rock Falls, IL to the late Ernie and Josephine (Baker) Kolb, where he grew up playing baseball, football, basketball and track. He was...
Read MoreI was in grade school in Streator, Illinois when Gary led Rock Falls to a 3rd place finish in the basketball state tournament. Being a gym rat I followed his baseball career as well. Never met him, must have touch a lot of hearts, not just mine. So sorry for your loss.
Bob Williamson
June 03, 2023 | Other
What an amazing couple Gary & Georgia were. We lived in Old English Apts in Cross Lanes along with many of the Charleston Charlie’s team. So many fond memories of the good old days. Attended every home game & cheered for the Charlie’s. RIP GARY & GEORGIA
Frank & Cheryl Janasiewicz
September 12, 2020 | Raleigh North Carolina
After the last game of of the 1969 season In the Pirate clubhouse in old Forbes Field, I will always remember that you were the only player to congratulate me on a good season. I have often thought about that time and wish I could have told you in person of how much that meant to me. What a classy gesture from a classy teammate. Rest in peace my friend and teammate. Prayers to your family. Carl Taylor 1969 Pirates
Carl Taylor
August 22, 2019 | Sarasota, FL | Friend
Remembered By
William Wakefield
August 07, 2019 | San Rafael, CA | Friend
Gary, your 1964 Topps Baseball Carl was beautiful. May you sleep in heavenly peace
Mitchell Sklar
August 04, 2019 | Pembroke Pines, FL | Friend
Thank you so much for all the joy you brought to me and millions of other baseball fans. And thank you for your time in making your fans feel a part of the game, too.
Harold Stern
July 18, 2019
Lisa, Todd and your entire family will be in my thoughts and Prayers. Kolby was a "one of a kind" and a great coach/teacher of the game of baseball. To this day, I continue to pass on his baseball lessons learned from Gary Kolb over 40 years ago. God Bless.
Jim Henson
July 14, 2019 | Midlothian, VA | Friend
Kolby, you were not only the best coach I had, but the most inspiring. Thank you for the role you played in making me the college player I was and the coach and person I am today. I will always cherish those summers on the diamond, and working together on our fencing jobs.
Don Fisher
July 13, 2019 | Dayton, OH | Friend
I grew up in Pittsburgh and Gary was the first batter I ever heard announcer Bob Prince introduce and give play by play on. I followed him that year (68) and in 1969 before he went down to the minors. Always wondered about him after that. Nice to hear that he had a nice and productive life after baseball. God Bless you Gary for that lasting memory and all the best to your family.
Jeff Barto
A fan from the '60s.
Jeff Barto
July 10, 2019 | Huntersville, NC | Acquaintance
