Wesley W. Kolb
December 25, 1939 – April 19, 2021
A memorial service to celebrate Wes’ life will take place on Friday, May 7, 2021 at 11:30 AM at 12th Street Baptist Church, 3911 S. 12th St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Private interment with full military honors will be at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. The family requests that those attending the service please wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.
Obituary
Age 81, passed away at Glenn Arbor Hospice in Battle Creek on Monday, April 19, 2021. Wes was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on December 25, 1939, the son of the late Wesley and Rozella (Prehn) Kolb. He served his country honorably in the United States Marine Corps. Wes was employed at Alvan Motor Freight Company for 30 years. After retirement, he became an independent car salesman and worked closely with his friend, Jeff DePue. He made many friends and acquaintances during his time selling cars. Wes loved a good cigar and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. On May 26, 1961, he married the former Merlene Bell, who survives. Wes is also survived by his children, Wesley, Jr. (Susan) Kolb and Cheryl (Greg) Lewis; grandchildren, Ryan (Juliana) and Joshua (Carley) Kolb and Courtney (Kinzy) Turpin; his sisters, JoAnn VanHare and Mary Potts and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Wes was preceded in death by his brothers, Johnny, Kim, Carl and Jimmy Kolb and sisters, Guyla Bowden, Katie Hutchins, Betty Meux and Linda Merriam.
You will be missed dear friend. My sincerest sympathy to his lovely family. Wes was family to us. Our children have many great memories of their time spent with him. He will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace and know you were loved. Nancy Nevelle
Our families have been intertwined always….I have million wonderful memories…. I am sad the end had to be so difficult and painful… you are an amazing human and I love you always… to Merlene, Wes and Cheryl and the grandkids… you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time… Wes Sr…please find Dad and say Hi for me… always and forever love you… RIP XO Kathy Nevelle
So sorry to hear of Uncle Wes passing ,Aunt Merlene ,Wes ,Cheryl,and families you are in my thoughts and prayers , I remember many a fun times as a kid going over to the house and Uncle Wes and Aunt Merlene was always one of my favorites ! It’s so very hard to loose those we love and my heart breaks for you all I just know hes with my mom (Katie) now along with many others who are rejoicing hes home.and at perfect peace! Praying god comforts you all at this time, Sending Big love your way always , Lorre
Laura and I were so sad to hear of the passing of Wes, but we rejoiced knowing that he is safe in the arms of our Lord. I am confident that when Wes took his last breath on this earth that his very next one was in Heaven. I literally have known Wes my entire life and I am proud to have called him my friend. My heart goes out to Merlene and the entire family. I am so sad that we will not be able to attend Wes’s memorial service as we will be Georgia, but you will be our thoughts and prayers. Until we meet again…
Phyllis and I were so sorry to hear today (5/6) that Wes had passed away. Merlene, you and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. Our families go way back and we had some great times together, especially all our years at church, and those memories will always be special. May God bless and comfort you during this difficult time, but Praise the Lord we know that Wes is in the presence of Jesus. Gary & Phyllis
Dear Merlene and family , I just learned of Wes’s departure on September 14,2021. I am so sorry to hear of his death. This dear man of God brought to me the Gospel on March 15th. 1969. On March the 16 the Lord was gracious to save me. We worshipped our Lord together. Wes was instrumental and supportive of my early Christian life, and then my ministry. I shall never forget the kindness and help afforded me and my family by Wes and Merlene. I have years of precious memories from 7th grade at Lincoln Jr high till present. Wes was my best man at my wedding with Ellie, what a friend! What a man! What a Marine! What a husband! What a father! But most of all I rejoice to know WHAT A MAN OF GOD!! Forever loved, forever missed my dear friend. Rest, rest, my dear brother, in the arms of our loving Lord Jesus Christ!