Timothy Kevin Colbert

Retired Murray County Associate District Judge, Chickasaw legislator and Chickasaw Hall of Fame member the Honorable Tim Colbert passed away peacefully Aug. 20 at his home in Sulphur, Oklahoma.

He was 76 years old.

Colbert was born to Chickasaw Hall of Fame member the Honorable George Dixie Colbert and Ruby Colbert April 9, 1950, in Oklahoma City. From an early age, his parents taught him to stand proud and carry his Chickasaw heritage with honor and respect. He and his siblings were also taught the value of hard work and giving back to the community. Colbert was raised in Sulphur, Oklahoma, where he graduated high school in 1968.

A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Colbert earned a bachelor's degree in history, and a juris doctorate from Oklahoma City University (OCU) in 1976. While a student at OCU, he worked as a case manager for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

Soon after earning his law degree, Colbert was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar Association and was hired by the City of Sulphur to serve as city Judge. He served as city Judge until he was appointed by Oklahoma Governor George Nigh as Associate District Judge for Murray County, and in that judicial capacity served the citizens of Murray, Johnston, Marshall and Love counties, upholding justice with integrity and wisdom for 26 years.

Known as a fair-minded and honorable Judge, he never had a case overturned by a higher court during his years as Associate District Judge.

Colbert was a charter member of the Chickasaw Bar Association and was honored for 50 years as a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association in 2026. He was also a member of the Murray County Bar Association.

He was inducted into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame in 2020, honored for his 40 years of service to the Chickasaw people, as well years of service as Associate District Judge.

Colbert's service to the Chickasaw Nation began in 1979 when he was elected to the forerunner of the Chickasaw Legislature, the Chickasaw Tribal Council. Elected in 1983 to the Chickasaw Legislature, he continuously represented the people of the Tishomingo District in Seat 2 for an unprecedented 12 terms, serving the Chickasaw people for four decades.

His service to the Chickasaw people coincided with a time of tremendous growth in the Chickasaw Nation and his influence will be forever felt in the Chickasaw Nation. His unwavering dedication, wisdom and steadfast commitment has left an indelible legacy on the Chickasaw people and the Chickasaw Nation.

As a member of the Chickasaw Legislature, Colbert served on tribal health care and commerce committees, working to enhance health care opportunities for Chickasaws and promote tribal economic development to support the growth of Chickasaw Nation programs and services. He was also a strong proponent of providing education opportunities for Chickasaw people. Along with his brothers, he established the Colbert Scholarship through the Chickasaw Foundation for Chickasaw college students.

He married Kari Patterson May 22, 1976. Together they had one son, Zachary D. Colbert.

Tim later married Michelle Sims, March 5, 2004. The couple spent a total of 25 wonderful years together, traveling the world and hosting gatherings and celebrations, sharing their love and generosity with family and friends at their home, south of Sulphur.

Colbert was a devoted member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Sulphur, while also serving on the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Colbert is survived by his wife Michelle; son Zachary D. and daughter-in-law Makenzie Colbert; grandsons Axton and Rowen; five siblings Stephen Colbert and his wife Cheryl; Shelly (Colbert) Bohn and her husband Tim; Scott Colbert; Mark Colbert and his wife Kim; and John Colbert and his wife Sherri. He is also survived by the mother of his son, Kari Warren and her husband Rick; and numerous family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, the Honorable Dixie Colbert and Ruby Colbert; and his nephew, Clifton Colbert.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Aug. 26 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Sulphur, with Father Aaron Foshee officiating.

Serving as pallbearers are Joe Colbert, Perry Zeiset, Billy Frank Lance, Bill G. Lance, Richard Elkins, Fob Jones, Paul Aaron, and Jason Bruton.

Interment will be at Oaklawn Cemetery in Sulphur.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be contributed to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Sulphur, Oklahoma.

Services have been placed in the care of Hale's Funeral Home of Sulphur.

Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.