Alva Austen Colburn

Alva Austen Colburn, 92, of Duncan, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his daughter's home on Friday, January 2, 2026, surrounded by the family he cherished.
Alva was born on June 28, 1933, in Terlton, Oklahoma, to A. Austin and Hilda (Roberts) Colburn. He grew up with a deep appreciation for hard work, curiosity, and the wide-open spaces of his home state-values that shaped the rest of his life.
After graduating high school, Alva began work as a plumber. He then decided to further his education at Kansas State University. It while he was at school that he joined the military. He proudly served in the United States Army for several years during the Korean and Vietnam era, answering his country's call with quiet strength and dedication. On November 14, 1959, he married the love of his life, Virginia Ida Hart, on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Together they built a life grounded in devotion, resilience, and a shared sense of adventure. They raised four children, who remained the center of his world.
After completing his military service, Alva worked as an electrical engineer, applying his sharp mind and steady hands in both the oil field and the defense industry. He was known for his ability to fix just about anything, and he approached every challenge-mechanical or otherwise-with patience and ingenuity. Alongside his professional work, Alva loved caring for horses and often shod the horses of friends and family, a skill he took pride in and shared generously.
Alva found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved gardening of roses and rhododendrons, fishing, collecting rocks, and spending time in the Arizona desert, a place whose quiet beauty spoke to him. He also owned a sailboat and cherished the peaceful hours he spent sailing around Puget Sound, a pastime that brought him both freedom and contentment. He had a lifelong passion for Oklahoma history and never missed an opportunity to share a good story or an interesting fact.
Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, whose love and presence were his greatest comfort.
Alva was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers: Charles Colburn and Wayne Colburn. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Virginia; children: Bart Colburn of Comanche, Brett Colburn and wife Amanda of Hoquiam, Washington, Brenda Bracey and husband John Bracey of Alberta, Canada, Jestine Budvarson and husband Troy of Comanche; grandchildren: Shasta Lakey (Josh), Cheyenne Buckley (Braden), Brea Colburn, Stephanie Colburn, James Bracey; great-grandchildren: Dager Lakey, Dally Lakey, Della Lakey, Cade Buckley, Austin Colburn; and sister, Judith Sisk and husband Charlie.
The family would like to invite those who knew and loved Alva to a luncheon that will be served at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 13, at the Chisholm Trail Cowboy Church of Southwest Oklahoma followed by a memorial service at 12:00 P.M. with Lance Smith officiating. The church is located at 278935 E 1780 Rd in Comanche, OK.
Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.