Joseph Henry Rankin "Joe" Colbert

1935 - 2023

Austin attorney Joseph "Joe" Henry Rankin Colbert, born April 1,1935, in Columbia, Miss., passed away peacefully with his family by his side on September 9, 2023, in Burnet, TX, at the age of 88.

Joe graduated from Columbia High School before serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Joe was a proud Marine, made easy friends with other Marines he met along the way, and credits this experience in laying the foundations for his focus and determination in life. He also had a deep fondness for Germany, starting his family there in the late 1950s, returning to visit often over the years. Joe graduated from the University of Alabama in 1958, with a degree in Commerce and Business, then moved his family to Austin, TX, where he received his Law degree from the University of Texas in 1964.

Joe worked tirelessly to build his professional career as a trial lawyer, specializing in personal injury and workers' compensation. Alongside law partner Rick Freeman and staff, they fought to provide justice for families recovering from life-altering injuries and losses. Joe was fiercely passionate about protecting individuals' rights against large insurance companies, and was especially proud to represent the Austin Police Association for many years.

For over 40 years, Joe was an active committee and faculty member at the Texas College of Trial Advocacy, a member of ABOTA, served as Director and Director Emeritus of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, President of TTLA Austin Chapter, and Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Association. Joe has been lauded and admired as a mentor to countless lawyers in Texas over the decades.

Joe loved the outdoors, frequently visiting Colorado with his kids, or hunting with some of his closest friends across North America. His stories of adventures with hunting buddies are among his most treasured.

By the time he was 40, Joe was a dedicated member of the OFRC, "Old Farts Running Club", spending most mornings running on Town Lake, or participating in local 5k &10k races. Joe ran his first (and last) marathon at age 70, and settled for nothing less than the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. His dedication and tenacity carried him through the race of life.

Joe enjoyed his retirement years in Burnet County and spent much of his time building the ranch on the South San Gabriel River, always with a loyal pup at his side. He found comfort in the local community, took up golfing in his 80's, and spent many Friday nights at Bulldogs football games.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Nelle Rankin, father, David Colbert Sr., and brother, David "Buddy" Jr.; Joe is survived by his baby sister Sally, and by his five children - Mark (Wendy) of Merrillville, IN, David (Brenda) of Panama City, FL, Becca (Darin) of Saint Paul, MN, Alexandra (Robbie) of Austin, TX, and Weslie (Stephen) of Bertram, TX; his seven grandchildren; and his black lab, Watson. Joe was also a beloved uncle and friend to many.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Ranch in Bertram, 11:30 a.m. on November 11, 2023. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the First United Methodist Church of Bertram, or the Living Grace Canine Ranch, in Bertram, Texas.