Colony, Edgar L.

Edgar L. Colony, 80, of rural North Liberty, died Sunday, July 4, 2010, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, from complications of diabetes. Memorial services will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the First United Methodist Church, North Liberty. There will be a time of fellowship and refreshments following the service. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Ridgewood Cemetery, North Liberty.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Edgar's memory.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web at

Edgar Lee Colony was born Feb. 25, 1930, in rural Jones County, Iowa, the son of Frank A. and Elma H. (Austin) Colony. He graduated from Iowa City High School in 1948. He then attended Iowa State College (ISU) for a couple of years before having to leave his studies to return to the farm to assist his family. He married Ellen M. Novy on April 8, 1950, in North Liberty.

For many years, he farmed in the North Liberty area and sold real estate. He built and operated the Colony Country Campground in North Liberty, which his daughter Beth continues to operate. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and the Optimist Club, both of North Liberty, a member of the Farm Bureau, 4-H, Iowa City High School Alumni Association and the Iowa Association of RV Parks. Edgar loved working with glass and lead to make beautiful creations of stained glass, was an avid woodworker, he enjoyed his time when he drove a semi-truck, but most of all he loved his family and his many friends who appreciated his dry sense of humor, clear wit and strong faith.

Edgar was a steward of the land. Whether that stewardship involved using conservation farming or building neighborhoods for people's homes, he always wanted land to be put to its best use. His “common-sense” approach drove his decisions and although his humble nature wouldn't allow him to be very proud of his work, he touched his community in many positive ways.

His family includes his wife of 60 years, Ellen; their children, Lynn Stangl (Ed) of West Des Moines, Beth Saxton (Charles) of North Liberty, and Ray Colony (Deb) of North Liberty; and grandchildren, Theresa Tebbe (Scott), Patrick Stangl, Andrew Stangl, John Saxton (Kristel), Anne Saxton, Will Colony and Matt Colony.

Edgar was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Ralph; and two brothers, Austin and Lloyd Colony.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Edgar's family and his services.