Joseph Kolb

Joseph Michael “Mike” Kolb, 60, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 16, 2021.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Josef and Maria Kolb, and Ray and Arlie Mantooth, and his father, Franz Kolb. Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn; his mother, Lorita Kolb; his three children, Christopher Kolb (Monique), Nicole Dickens (Joel), and Andrea Stone (Michael); his nine grandchildren, Mackenzie, Bobby, Caleb, Madelyn, Kaylee, Aiden, Tristan, Wyatt, and Savannah; his four siblings, Aaron Kolb, Susan Kolb, Phillip Kolb, and Michaela Amburg; and his adoring Dachshund, Remington.  Born in Hominy, OK, in April 1961, Mike moved with his family shortly after to the Kansas City, MO area and graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1979. After graduation, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn, and moved to Fort Hood, TX, where he was stationed in the U.S. Army. Mike enlisted in 1978 and served his country honorably in both active duty and the reserves continuously until his retirement in 2014. Mike was relocated by the Army to Fort Lee, VA in 2004 and maintained his home in South Prince George, VA, with his family, working for the Department of Defense as Supervisor and Senior Training Instructor at Fort Lee until his death.  Mike was a humble and simple man, dedicated to his family, his country, and his faith. He was an active member of The Heights Baptist Church in Colonial Heights, VA, and appreciated time spent in fellowship with his Sunday School group. He loved playing with his grandchildren, tinkering with his pickup truck, and fishing with his family and friends. As a lifelong fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, he was thrilled to be able to watch their Super Bowl victory in 2019 and share in the celebration with his family.  Mike enjoyed visiting many of our nation’s historic lighthouses - collecting models of each to display in his office at Fort Lee. Much like his beloved lighthouses, Mike was the beacon of guiding light for his family, always protecting and providing for them. The love and devotion he had for his family were unmatched, and he will be missed forever.  A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m.  Monday, November 1, 2021, at the Crater Road Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory 3935 S. Crater Road Petersburg, Virginia 23805.  Private Family interment will follow at Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia, Virginia.  A public visitation will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021, from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm at the funeral home. The family is grateful for the love, prayers, and support shared in this difficult time. Flowers are very much appreciated, and other donations can be made in Mike’s honor to support the American Lighthouse Foundation