Long-time music professor William Colson passes away

William Wilder Colson, a long-time member of the faculty at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, passed away Oct. 13 in Largo, Fla., at 79 years of age.

Colson was born in Kansas City, Mo., in 1945, and married Barbara Joy Simpson in 1977. He received degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory and two from the University of Illinois, and spent sabbatical leaves in Sweden; Heidelberg, Germany; Denton, Texas; and Tucson, Ariz.

Colson came to Southwestern in 1971 as assistant professor of theory and composition and remained until 2014, when he ended his career as distinguished professor of music theory and composition, chair of the Music Theory and Composition Department, and associate dean for the performance division. He also served as acting dean of the School of Church Music and Worship, 2003-2005, and on the editorial board of the Journal of Schenkerian Studies.

Colson was a renowned musician as a cellist and was featured in various editions of “Who’s Who,” including three years in “The World’s Who’s Who of Musicians,” an edition of “Who’s Who in Entertainment,” and an edition of “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” along with other awards and recognitions. For several years, he was a member of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra.

William Colson received numerous awards and recognitions for his musical skills.

During his time at Southwestern, Colson’s family attended church at Western Hills Baptist Church, Ridglea West Baptist Church, and Ash Creek Baptist Church.

Allen Lott, professor of music history who worked alongside Colson, said he was an integral part of the School of Church Music and Worship and devoted his entire teaching career to that program.

“He was a beloved colleague, admired teacher, and excellent administrator as well as a fine cellist,” Lott said of Colson and his more than 40 years at Southwestern. “He was especially significant in overseeing the school’s continued accreditation with the National Association of Schools of Music. He was noted for his extensive musical knowledge, quick wit, and dedication to his colleagues and students.”

Colson and Barbara moved to Largo, Fla., from Fort Worth two years ago and the past 16 months he was a resident at a long-term care facility after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He is survived by his wife Barbara, sister Rosemary of Tallahassee, Fla., and son John William, married to Felicia, of Oak Park, Ill.

According to the family, currently there are no plans for a memorial service.