He attended Drew Central and Monticello High Schools. He served as Valedictorian of his 8th grade graduation class and graduated from Drew High School in May of 1969. He attended Pines Vo Tech School (now Southeast Arkansas College) and several other training schools. On May 15, 1971, LaFrance united in holy matrimony to his loving wife, Alvia Louise Moore who loved and cherished him until his departure from this life.
At age 19 on September 10, 1973, LaFrance enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He graduated from basic training in Camp Pendleton, CA on February 15, 1974. As part of this service, he served as a color guard where he was part of several military honors ceremonies, parades and civic events. He also had several overseas tours of duty including the Philippine Islands and traveled to Central Europe (Germany). While serving duty as a Marine, he achieved the rank of Sergeant and received the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and also trained as a Unit Supply NCO. He served until being honorably discharged on September 9, 1977.
Mr. Colbert later decided to answer the call of duty to his country and enlisted in the United States Army Reserve. He served there from February 14, 1984, through December 31, 1999. During this period of service he was awarded the U.S. Army Good Conduct Medal (4 awards), Army Achievement Medal, National Service Medal, the Armed Service Reserve Medal, Overseas Training Ribbon and the Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with rifle bar. During this time of service, he received the rank of Staff Sergeant. SSGT Colbert's service to our nation exemplified courage and dedication to this nation. He has always put service first! He was a selfless servant and inspired many young men during his time in service and out of service. He is a true American hero and will be greatly missed.
LaFrance was a faithful member of the Church of Christ on Chester Street in Monticello, AR until his health failed him. He loved and supported people and never met a stranger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Lee and Lula Belle Colbert; a brother, Jerry Colbert; and two sisters, Evonne Colbert and Linda Faye Merritt.
LaFrance leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 53 years, Alvia L. Colbert of Monticello; three sons, LaFrance L. Colbert, Jr. of Monticello, Brian A. Colbert (Karmesha) of Chattanooga, TN and Jeremy E. Colbert (Stephanie) of Little Rock; a daughter, Denise Haynes of Monticello; two sisters, Janis Phillips of St. Louis, MO and Natarsha Colbert Jordan (Leon) of Stockbridge, GA; two brothers, Joseph Colbert of Monticello and Harlan Colbert (Theda) of Lacey; nine grandchildren, Te Neal Mahan (Matthew), Tyrus Colbert, Aliyah Colbert, Samiya Colbert, Jeremy Colbert, Jr., Ja'ky Colbert, Alvia Marie Colbert, Danielle Ambrose and Alexandria Colbert; four aunts, Mary Childress of Crossett and Carolyn Simmons of Monticello, Cheryl Wilson and Barbara (Bruce) Wesley both of Detroit, MI; two special friends, Ken and Sandra Charles of Monticello; along with a plethora of relatives and friends.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, AR (1501 W. Maryland Avenue). A Repass will be held at Sienna Lake Clubhouse after the funeral service (501 Sienna Lake Drive, Little Rock, AR 72210). You can sign SSGT Colbert's guestbook registry on this page.
Condolences(20)
Tanngenia Humphrey
Rocky Mount, NC Thursday, January 16, 2025 Condolences to the family Colbert. Our prayers are with you and the family. Natasha I Love you sis. I pray for healing 🙏 ✨️ ❤️. No words can express the feeling of losing a love one.Colbert Family prayers 🙏 ❤️
Tanngenia Humphrey ,Johnny Humphrey,Tiffany Grant.
We love you.🙏❤️.
Keisha Fletcher
Forest Park, GA Thursday, January 16, 2025 I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with his sister Natasha. And even though I’ve never been to Arkansas with her. She spoke very highly of you all and I felt like this was a tremendous loss to your family. Praying and sending my condolences to the Colbert family. May God comfort the family during these tough times.Ricky and Kathy Lou Engelkes
Monticello, AR Wednesday, January 15, 2025 Even though we didn’t know LaFrance very long it didn’t take long to realize what a good man he was. We’re so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Louise and family.Londau
Little Rock, AR Wednesday, January 15, 2025 Someone who embraced people with his whole being. I'm so glad I got to know him, and have him boss me around.Sandrene Wilson
Ludowici, GA Wednesday, January 15, 2025 To Natosha and familymy deepest condolences on your loss. Please hand on to God unchanging hands for he will always be with you.
He will comfort you and heal you.
Love you Sandrene
Sandrene Wilson
Ludowici, GA Wednesday, January 15, 2025 To Natosha and family my deepest condolences. May you find comfort in God knowing that He is and will always be with you. Stay strong familyLove you Sandrene
Johnny & Tekeilla Humphrey
Atlanta, GA Wednesday, January 15, 2025 To Uncle LaFrance from your nephew Johnny, his wife and family. We send our deepest love to you and the entire family. 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽Mendy Bickford
Monticello, AZ Wednesday, January 15, 2025 Louise, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.Tammy Eddington
Fordyce, AR Tuesday, January 14, 2025 Sending love and prayers to my family so sorry for your loss love you guys 🫂Brenda Binns
Monticello, AR Tuesday, January 14, 2025 Lifting the family up in prayer! Earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t heal.Ollison and Binns’s family
Milton & Hazel Hampton
Hermitage, AR Tuesday, January 14, 2025 He was a Great Man and Great Friend. And Always had you smiling and laughing. All the time when you was around him. All Prayers Goes Out To His Family.Melissa Hardman (Jacobs)
Fairburn, GA Tuesday, January 14, 2025 Such a great man to know. So blessed to say I knew him and his family. May his huge personality and infectious smile live on with you through the years. My condolences to you all.With Sympathy,
Melissa m
James Lawrence
HERMITAGE, AR Tuesday, January 14, 2025 I served in the Arkansas National Guard with LaFrance. So Sorry to hear of his passing, RIP SoldierGary and Janie Fritts
Wilmar, AR Monday, January 13, 2025 I was in the guards with LaFrance. So sorry for the loss of another Soldier. Prayers for his family. Gary FrittsBridgette Freeman
Monticello, AR Monday, January 13, 2025 Sending prayers and condolences to you and your family,I pray that God gives strength and peace at this difficult time that only He can giveSallie
Monticello Ar, AR Sunday, January 12, 2025 Words cannot express the pain/love I feel at the moment; realizing our God doesn’t make any mistakes, sending my condolences to the Colbert family.Sandra Crowell
Wilmar, AR Thursday, January 9, 2025 My heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. May God comfort you and give you strength and peace. Brother Lafrance will be truly missed. Another soldier has traveled home.DR.WHM
Lansing, MI Wednesday, January 8, 2025Please know that however you're feeling right now—sad, numb, guilty, tired, angry—it's normal. There's no right way to feel. I love you and am so sad that you're going through this. I'm praying every day for your comfort and for you to be able to find joy again. I love you all. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Bonita Yount
Dumas, AR Tuesday, January 7, 2025 So sorry to hear about Mr LaFrance. He was such a sweet and kind gentleman. My prayers go out to all of the family and friends.Larry & Clara Pasley
Alexandria, LA Tuesday, January 7, 2025 So sorry to hear of La France's passing. Our condolence to all of you. We have fond memories of La France while we were in Monticello.