Dr. Leslie E. Colyott, 62 of Troy, IL, born June 10, 1964, in Belleville, IL and passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, at his home in Troy, IL.

Everyone knew him as “Les,” but to his family, he was lovingly known as “Dr. Cool.”

Les was a naturally curious person with an insatiable passion for learning and sharing knowledge with others. After graduating from Triad High School in 1982, he attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in both Chemistry and Physics. He went on to receive his master’s degree in Physics in 1992 and later earned his Ph.D. in Physics from Oklahoma State University, proudly earning the title of Dr. Leslie Colyott.

Les was widely regarded as a brilliant, kind, and supportive mentor, teacher, and friend. He had a genuine love for people and was especially fascinated by other countries and cultures. His interests were wonderfully varied, ranging from music, movies, history, and food to travel and learning new things. He loved meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures and would often learn a bit of the local language before traveling so he could communicate with the people he met along the way.

Les embraced adventure throughout his life, both on his own and with his family. After being diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease in 2004, he refused to let his vision loss define what he could or could not do. Instead, he found ways to accommodate his disability and continued to pursue the life he wanted. In 2015, he traveled solo throughout Germany and Austria—a testament to his independence, determination, curiosity, and adventurous spirit.

Les and Judy were married in March 1986 in Edwardsville, Illinois. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, laughter, and countless memories. They were blessed with three daughters, Sydney, Chelsea, and Olivia.

Some of Les’s favorite moments were the simple traditions he shared with his family. Saturdays often meant shopping trips, Sundays meant bowling, and there were always movies to see, new restaurants to try, and countless school activities to attend. He treasured being involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments.

When his grandchildren, Asher and Flynn, came along, Les proudly embraced his new title of “Pawpaw.” He was, quite simply, a baby whisperer. He had a special gift for calming and connecting with little ones, and his entire face would light up whenever he was around a baby or young child.

Les will be remembered for his brilliant mind, his endless curiosity, his willingness to teach and encourage others, and his genuine love of people and the world around him. But most of all, he will be remembered by his family as a devoted husband, father, and Pawpaw—their beloved “Dr. Cool.”

His legacy lives on in the people he taught, mentored, encouraged, and loved, and in the many lives he touched simply by being himself.

He was preceded in death by his father, Larry E. Colyott; mother-in-law, Delores Provaznik; and father-in-law, Harry R. Lewis Jr.

Surviving is his wife Judy (nee Lewis) Colyott; daughters, Sydney Colyott and Chelsea Colyott both of Troy, IL and Olivia Bennett of Bellevue, WA; grandchildren, Asher and Flynn Cox; his mother, Judy (nee Carkuff) Colyott of Glen Carbon, IL; sister, Lori (Mark) Allen of Wildwood, MO; and nephews, Jack and Matthew Allen; and many dear friends.

Memorials may be made to American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.Richesonfh.com

Celebration of Life service will be held October 10, 2026 at noon at the Troy Community Center, 410 Wickliffe St, Troy, IL 62294.