Fred L. Colvin

Frederick L. Colvin, age 95, of Lansing, IL, went home to his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Beloved husband of the late Laura J. Colvin, nee DeYoung. Loving father of Cindy (late John) Hobscheid, Fred A. (Marj) Colvin, Jeffrey (Linda) Colvin, and Amy (Doug) Allen. Proud grandfather of Laura Jo (Steve) Hacko, Carrie Jo (Mike) Brakley, John Hobscheid, Lee (Susan) Colvin, Joshua (Angela) Colvin, Bethany (Nathan) Zirbel, Christopher (Jess) Colvin, Chad (Laura) Colvin, Eric (Jamie) Colvin, Jason Colvin, Shane (Aubrey) Colvin, Spencer (Hanna) Allen, Jada Allen, and Jannae Allen; great-grandfather of Joleigh, Alayna, Alaysia, Blake, Blaine, Clayton, Joselyn, Braxton, Riley, Coby, Norah, Emily, Hazel, Oliver, Reyna, Brielle, Cheyanne, Grayson, Sadie, Tate, Margo, Bennett, and Easton. Dear brother of Christine Colvin, the late Jean (late Max) Johnson and the late William (Peggy) Colvin. Uncle of several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents William and Ellen Colvin.

Fred Colvin lived his life for Jesus Christ and leaves a legacy of love, integrity, dedication, and Christian faith.

Fred grew up accustomed to hard work at an early age. While still a young teen, a local general contractor saw his potential to be a hard worker and offered him a job. Fred’s diligent and precise work as a laborer developed into the skill of being an excellent bricklayer. The Korean War took Fred on the path of service to his country for a time, where he served in the Army as a cook and baker. Upon returning home, Fred continued his work as a bricklayer, and in 1963 he began his own masonry company. That company continues to thrive today into its second and third generations of family members.

Fred married Laura De Young in 1953, and the newlyweds made Oak Glen CRC/URC their church home. Fred credited both Laura's personal witness and the preaching of God's Word heard at Oak Glen as the means that brought him to faith in Jesus Christ. Fred and Laura became an integral part of church life there, where Fred served as an Elder in the church, upholding biblical truth and showing loving support to members under his care. He also gave many decades of loving service to the Building and Grounds Committee of the church, ensuring that God’s house of worship was safe and beautiful. If they were out and about, he just had to drive through the church parking lot before going home just to make sure all was right!

As a family man, Fred will be remembered for his selfless love, his deep faith, and his quiet and humble character. He always prioritized his Lord, his wife, and his family above selfish desires. The family cherishes that Fred and Laura demonstrated their love and support by joyfully attending every event possible that included their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. But the richest heritage he leaves to his family is his demonstration of his faith in and love for his Savior Jesus Christ through his speech, his family prayers, and his example of godly living.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 6:00 p.m. at Oak Glen United Reformed Church, 2244 Indiana Ave. Lansing, IL with Dr. Paul Ipema officiating. There will be a time of coffee fellowship following the service. Interment Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery – Elwood, IL with Rev. John Vermeer officiating. Memorial contributions may be given to Illiana Christian High School (www.illianachristian.org). Arrangements entrusted to Smits Funeral Home – Dyer, IN. For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com.