Colby Manes Ardrey was born August 7, 1996 to Lonnie Kirk and Cathy Ardrey in Wichita Falls, Texas. Colby and his family moved to Buda in 2002 where he attended Elm Grove Elementary, Dahlstrom Middle School and graduated from Hays High School in 2015. Colby played football and baseball as well as being a state contender in powerlifting. Colby was invited to play in an advanced football playoff in Myrtle Beach, SC and named one of the best offensive linemen in Texas by the East/West football camp. Colby was a part of Cub Scout Pack 218 and Boy Scout Troop 128 with whom he participated in 4 high adventures including Philmont with his brother Milton, earning the Triple Crown and achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in his senior year. Colby worked as a lifeguard at Schlitterbahn, the YMCA and Garlic Creek pools during the summer months. Following his graduation from Hays, Colby enlisted in the United States Marine Corps going to boot camp in Camp Pendleton, and was then stationed in Okinawa for 2 years. He was stationed back at Camp Pendleton for his final year where he advanced to rank of Sergeant, working in network administration and earning a certification as a Marine Martial Arts instructor. Colby returned home to run the family ranch where he created the new name Fidelis Outfitters.

Colby is survived by his mother, Cathy Ardrey of Buda, his brother Milton Ardrey of Austin, twin sister Claire Ardrey of Buda, sister Andrea Luu and brother in law Army LTC Philip Luu of Oahu, HI, grandmother Tonda Frady of Wimberley, grandfather Bruce Axline of Tucson, AZ, niece Elizabeth Catchings of North Hollywood, CA and niece Victoria Baker of Dover, OH.

Service will be held Friday, November 17 at 11 am at Harrell Funeral Home. There will be a link on the Harrell Funeral home tribute page for livestream viewing. The family asks in lieu of flowers donations be made to veteran support organizations Bouldercrest.org, Mission22.com or Pawsshelter.org