Chad Colgan

TOULON - Chad D. Colgan, Senior Airman, 22, of California, formerly of Toulon, died Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007, in California.

Chad was born Dec. 21, 1984, in Kewanee, Ill., the son of Donald and Patricia (Iles) Colgan. He married his high school sweetheart, Brooke Heaton, on Sept. 7, 2004, in Toulon. She survives.

Also surviving are his parents of Toulon, Ill.; one sister, Dawn (and Craig) Hillier of Toulon, Ill.; one brother, Jeremy (and Sharon) Colgan of Lincoln, Ill.; two nieces, Alyssa Colgan and Payten Hillier; maternal grandmother, Wyona Iles of Toulon, Ill.; paternal grandparents, Bonnie Norin of Neponset, Ill., and Don and Deanna Colgan Sr. of Galva, Ill.; paternal great-grandmother, Darlene DePauw of Galva, Ill.; mother-in-law, Tammy (and Greg) Real of Wyoming, Ill.; and father-in-law, Kevin Heaton of Bradford, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Bert Iles; and two uncles, Michael Iles and Perry Muckey.

Chad was an active youth, playing sports and other physically challenging activities.

After graduating from Stark County High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, and then entered active duty service in November 2003. In Basic Military Training, he exemplified the warrior spirit and unparalleled physical ability. He was issued extra off-base liberties after earning the Thunderbolt Fitness Award.

Immediately following Basic Training, Chad was sent to Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, for technical training as a crew chief. He immediately assumed a leadership role as a class leader and helped guide the fellow Airmen throughout their difficult transitions into military life. In March of 2004, Chad was relocated to Dover Air Force Base, Del., to complete his training in becoming C-5 Crew Chief.

After finishing technical school, he was assigned to the 60th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, Calif. He settled into his new home and quickly found acceptance with his squadron family. He then set himself apart as a superior aircraft maintenance apprentice. Chad had completed his 5-level upgrade months ahead of the standard, which allowed him to be the dedicated crew chief for Aircraft 85-00010, which is a true honor for any crew chief.

Not only was Chad a great Airman at home, but also abroad. Chad served more than 250 days of TDY in Rota Air Base, Spain, during his career, ensuring on-time delivery of countless tons of cargo to our war fighters. On and off duty, he made many great friends and was truly loved for his dedication and devotion to work and others.

In this last year he became passionate about motorcycles and developed a great love for it. There was rarely a day that you would not see him riding.

Chad will be remembered by all who knew him as a dedicated Airman, loyal friend, husband, son and brother who was loved by many and will not soon be forgotten.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007, at Toulon United Methodist Church. The Rev. Paul Wier will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007, at DeBolt-Kidd Funeral Home, Toulon. Burial will be in Toulon Cemetery, Toulon.

Memorial contributions may be made to an Education Fund for Alyssa Colgan and Payten Hillier in care of State Bank of Toulon.