William Harold Kolbe

Bill passed away on January 2, 2022 after a full and rewarding life. He often said that he was the luckiest man in the world. He was born in the United States of America, raised by devoted and loving parents, survived World War II, married the most wonderful woman in the world, loved his job, had two great children, had many wonderful friends and enjoyed a long and productive retirement with Joy.

Bill was born in Detroit, Michigan, on February 5, 1924 to Marguerite May Holmes and Harold Otto Kolbe. He attended elementary and intermediate schools in Detroit, graduating from Cooley High School in 1942. During his first semester at the University of Michigan he enlisted in the Army Air Corps cadet program.

He served three and one half years, ending up, flying B-29 bombing missions over Japan as a Navigator and Radar Bombardier Navigator. A member of the 58th Bomb Wing located on the island of Tinian. Taking advantage of the GI Bill, Bill returned to the University of Michigan, married Joy, and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1950. He joined the General Motors Corporation at their new Technical Center in Warren, Michigan concentrating on new product development. During his career as an engineering executive, Bill was awarded 13 patents in the areas of automotive air conditioning, fuel systems, emission systems and miscellaneous devices, some of which are on cars today. His entire enjoyable career of 37 years was spent with General Motors.

Bill served in various capacities on church councils in Michigan. A church home was always very important. He was a member of The Woodlands United Methodist Church. His hobbies were golf, cars, travel, stock market and reading.

Bill is survived by his daughter Patricia Gordinier, his son James W. Kolbe and wife Susan, grandchildren, Andrew and Caroline Kolbe, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeased by his parents, sister, Shirley, and wife of 65 years, Joy.

Bill was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, The Woodlands Rotary, Texas Forestry Association, The 58th Bomb Group Association, University of Michigan Alumni, The Woodlands Country Club and The Woodlands United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill's memory to the American Cancer Society, The Woodlands Rotary Club, or Cal Farley's, P.O. Box 1890, Amarillo, TX 79174.

A visitation for William will be held Monday, January 10, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home Chapel, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384, followed by a graveside service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkthewoodlands.com for the Kolbe family.