Longtime Vincennes Lawyer Jeffrey Barnes Kolb Dies at 74

Kolb was a respected authority on Indiana estate planning and inheritance law who pushed for legal reforms.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Jeffrey Barnes Kolb, a 74-year-old lawyer who practiced in Vincennes, Indiana for 50 years, died on February 7, 2026, following heart surgery. Kolb was the senior partner at the Emison Law Group and was known as an expert in Indiana estate planning and inheritance law, having successfully advocated for reforms to state statute law and best practices in those areas.

Why it matters

Kolb's death marks the passing of a legal luminary who helped shape estate planning and inheritance law in Indiana over the course of his long career. His work had a significant impact on the legal landscape and practices in the state.

The details

Kolb specialized in probate, property, and estate law at Emison Law, joining the firm in 1976. He wrote state legislation including the Indiana Power of Attorney Act in 1991 and the Indiana Legacy Trust Act in 2019. Kolb received numerous accolades over his career, including a Citation of Merit from the Indiana State Bar Association, the Probate Trust and Real Property Section Lifetime Service Award, induction into the Hall of Fame by the General Practice Section of the Indiana State Bar Association, and the Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana's highest civil award.

  • Kolb died on February 7, 2026, in Indianapolis, IN, following heart surgery.
  • Kolb was born on May 28, 1951 in Fort Meade, MD.
  • Kolb married Deborah Nosko on June 2, 1973.

The players

Jeffrey Barnes Kolb

A 74-year-old lawyer who practiced in Vincennes, Indiana for 50 years and was known as an expert in Indiana estate planning and inheritance law.

Deborah Kolb

Kolb's wife of 52 years.

Emison Law Group

The law firm where Kolb was the senior partner.

Indiana State Bar Association

The organization that awarded Kolb a Citation of Merit, the Probate Trust and Real Property Section Lifetime Service Award, and the Sagamore of the Wabash.

Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum (ICLEF)

The organization that honored Kolb with its Excellence in Continuing Education Award.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in Vincennes, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Deborah Kolb, Kolb's wife (Instagram)

The takeaway

Kolb's long and distinguished legal career left a lasting impact on estate planning and inheritance law in Indiana. His commitment to public service and community involvement in Vincennes also made him a beloved figure in the city.