Leilani Thomas

Leilani Lou (Kolb) Thomas, 73, long-time director of the Colby Convention and Visitors Bureau, died Monday, Nov. 2, 2015, at Citizens Medical Center in Colby, from complications after several recent surgeries. She was born April 12, 1942, in Denver, to Mike and Chelsea Kolb. She attended Colorado State University where she met her future husband, Chuck Thomas. In 1962, they married at the Westwood Christian Church in Denver. They lived in several communities before moving to Colby, where he was transferred as the manager of the J.C. Penney’s store. Later they owned and opened the Sears store in Colby. A 40-year resident of Colby, she was director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau for more than 25 years. Throughout the years Mrs. Thomas was involved in many community activities: Santa City, the Pickin' on the Plains Bluegrass Festival and Leadership Thomas County, among others, both in her professional duties and also on a personal level. As director of the Visitors Bureau, she travelled throughout the state and promoted the community while also providing leadership in the community and acting as a liaison promoting tourism and business in Colby. Earlier, she was a radio personality at KXXX with a popular show “Adam’s Rib.” She worked also with auctions in the area and was an advertising representative for the Colby Free Press. Survivors include her husband, of the home; a son, Mark Thomas, Denver; two brothers, Les (Janet) Kolb, Homer, Alaska; and Michael Kolb, Colorado Springs, Colo. No services are planned. Rather than flowers, the family encourages the celebration of her memory through volunteer work in the community.