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Gary Kolb Obituary
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 considered one of the best all-around athletes at Rock Falls High School, where he graduated in 1958 and is a charter member of the Rockets' Hall of Fame.
Kolb signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1960 after attending the University of Illinois where he was attending on a football scholarship. On September 29, 1963 he came in as a pinch-runner, replacing Stan Musial after Musial's final career hit. An outfielder and utility man, Kolb played seven seasons of Major League Baseball with the Cardinals, Milwaukee Braves, New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates.
He retired from baseball in 1972 in his final season with the Triple A team of the Pirates, the Charleston Charlies and made his home in Cross Lanes. He became instrumental in developing and enhancing the Little League program in Cross Lanes and then went on to coaching the Babe Ruth League to multiple championships. He was an honorary member of Ruth's.
After baseball, he worked for Green Valley Bridge Construction, alongside his good friend Vernon Withrow and officially retired in 2003.
In addition to his parents, Gary was also preceded in death by his first wife, Georgia; his brothers, Terry Kolb, Marc Kolb and Jeff Kolb; his sisters Marlys Shaffer and Jill Hayes. He is survived by his wife Jeani Hurley; his daughter, Lisa Hughes; his son Todd Kolb (Valerie) and grandchildren Matt Hughes, Jordan Hughes, Max Kolb (Danielle), Keegan and Ariel Orellana. Gary is also survived by his sisters Paula Deyo and Judy Duis; brother Jack Kolb all of Rock Falls/Sterling, IL, sister-in-laws Lou Ann Kolb and Susan Hurley, brother-in-law Don Hayes, along with many nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to his doctors and nursing staff at the Endoscopy Group at CAMC-Memorial, Fresenius Kidney Care and all those in the CPICU for the extra special care you provided. Dr. Mohamad Sankari, thank you for putting up with his jokes and always bringing a smile to his face. He treasured your friendship through the past few years.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 13, at Tyler Mountain Memorial Gardens in Cross Lanes, WV. Family will be received at 2 p.m., with friends following from 3 until 5 p.m. and the service held from 5 until 6 p.m. The family is asking those in attendance to share their favorite memories or stories of their times with Gary.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gary's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Cooke Funeral Home of Nitro is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories of Kolbie may also be shared by visiting www.cookefuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Kolb
Sponsored by Cooke Funeral Home and Crematorium - Nitro.
Bob Williamson
June 3, 2023
I 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.
Frank & Cheryl Janasiewicz
September 12, 2020
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
Carl Taylor
August 22, 2019
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
Mitchell Sklar
August 4, 2019
Gary, your 1964 Topps Baseball Carl was beautiful. May you sleep in heavenly peace
Harold Stern
July 18, 2019
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.
Jim Henson
July 14, 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.
Don Fisher
July 13, 2019
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.
Jeff Barto
July 10, 2019
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.
Michael Dean Dupay
July 10, 2019
Lisa and Todd, You know you all have been a part of our family for many years..! Your Dad taught me to be a better hitter while playing in Big League. He taught me the nuances of the game and to respect it. I remember you all, Georgia, and Gary coming over to watch Steeler games in the 70's. What a great time to be a Steeler fan with you all and Gary..! Lots of laughs, stories, and great wins..! You all remain in my heart and in my prayers..!
Chris Belcher
July 10, 2019
My condolences to the Kolb family for your loss, may God bless him and your family. Gary was the head coach for the 1981 and 1982 Senior Babe Ruth All-Star teams I was proud to be selected to play on. Gary coached us to 2 straight state titles that I will always remember. He was a good coach and a good man.
Rick Atkins
July 10, 2019
My condolences to the Kolb family. When I was in high school I worked with Gary at Watt Powell Park, I was on the grounds crew. Gary was one of my hero's and was very good to me. Gary was a very positive influence on me when it was really important. I work in Russia and will be unable to attend the celebration of his life but there are prayers for him and his family from Russia. I also remember Lisa who was very young then how I know a father could not have loved a daughter any more than he did, God bless.
Joseph Smith
July 9, 2019
All the best to the friends and family.
Jeannie Wray
July 9, 2019
Lisa, I am so sorry about your Dad passing away. You and your family are in my prayers. May God give you comfort during this time. I know how much you loved him. It is obvious through all your posting of happy stories.
Jim Crabtree
July 9, 2019
RIP. Prayers for your family and friends.
Bridget Tierney
July 9, 2019
So sorry to hear of Kolb's passing, RIP my friend.....
Tom Morgan
July 9, 2019
Gary Kolb quickly became one of my favorite Baseball Players of my youth. I was just a child of nine or ten, but he treated me with such respect. The words Fan Favorite do not begin to state my feeling for this Childhood hero. RIP Gay Kolb...your memory and Friendship will be with me forever.
Cookie
July 9, 2019
Like good BEER there is nothing like good friends.
Jerry Thornton
July 8, 2019
Will miss you, Gary.
Sherry Hill
July 8, 2019
Sadly I never got to meet him but had heard of his greatness on the baseball field and how strange that later on, I'd meet you Lisa, his daughter, and become both of your sons second grade teacher at Robins Elementary. Sending sympathy and love to you Lisa, Matt and Jordan: Your dad and grandfather was one memorable man.
Robert Weisner
July 8, 2019
My condolences go out to the Kolb family. I messaged Lisa last week upon learning of Gary's passing and told her about our lives being encompassed into such a small world. I'm a native of Pittsburgh and recall being introduced to Gary in the late 1960's while he was getting his hair trimmed. I was about 17 while Gary was playing for the Pirates. I left Pennsylvania in 1974 to embark on a 36-year radio broadcasting career in southern West Virginia. Little did I know that Gary made the Kanawha Valley his home after a few seasons with the Charlies. Gary left an indelible memory for me 50 years ago by shaking my hand.. May he be Blessed and Rest in Peace. Robert 'Bob' Weisner, Logan, WV.
Eric Snyder
July 8, 2019
We are sorry for you loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
Eric, Susan, Leslie and Hannah
The Snyders
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