Marlon Orblee (MO) (Moody) Colburn passed away peacefully on July 10, 2020 at
the age of 93. Born on March 16, 1927 in Wolf Springs, Alabama, MO went on to
serve in the Navy during WWII before working and retiring from Alabama &
Tennessee Natural Gas Company as a pipeline superintendent after 38 years. He
enjoyed gospel music, fishing, growing a bountiful garden, and loved all of his many
animals. Papaw, as his grandchildren affectionately called him, always wore a smile
and found joy in telling stories of a life well lived to friends and family who joined
him on the front porch of his Town Creek home. He was a loving husband, devoted
father, doting grandfather, and true friend. Loved by all who met him, MO will be
remembered fondly and missed by many.
A graveside service will be held on Monday July 13 th at Tri Cities Memorial Cemetery
in Florence at 2:00pm. Those who wish to join the family are asked to social distance
and wear a mask.
Preceded in death by parents, William Washington (Billy) Colburn and Virgie Ella (Eddie) Beavers;
son, Marlon Wayne Colburn; stepdaughter, Bridgette Little; brothers, AJ Colburn, Tommy Colburn
Survived by wife, Barbara Sparks Colburn; daughters, Patricia Starkey (David), Mary Phillips (Ronnie);
grandchildren, Eric Starkey (Seanna), Nicole Ray (Jeffrey), Collin Starkey, Brooke
Phillips, and Brett Phillips; great-grandchildren: Sean and Seth Starkey, Arden Ray; three beloved cats: Pretty Boy, Lucy, and Bear
