Paul J. Collier, 98, of Marshall, MO, died Thursday, November, 23, 2023, at The Arbors at Westport Estate Assisted Living in Marshall.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at St. Peter Catholic Church with Fr. Francis Doyle officiating. Graveside services with military rites will be at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. St. Mary’s Cemetery at Shackelford. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Memorials are suggested to St. Peter Catholic School or Marshall Optimist Club in care of Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.campbell-lewis.com
Paul was born on January 16, 1925, and was the son of the late James Collier and Mary Frain Collier. He attended Sunnyside Elementary School and then graduated from Mercy Academy in 1941. In 1942, Paul enlisted in the United States Navy and attended electrical school at Chapman College in Los Angeles, CA. He served on a seagoing tugboat, the USS Menominee, and was an Electrician’s Mate. He was stationed in places such as Hawaii, Midway, and Okinawa, and was honorably discharged on December 24, 1945. After returning from the Navy, Paul continued his pursuit of a career in heating and cooling and ranked #10 in the United States on the National Refrigeration Test.
On April 30, 1949, Paul married Ann Lynch and they were blessed with two children, Beverly and Randy. Paul owned his own business for several years, Collier Electric. Paul continued a lifelong career in heating and cooling and retired from Beerman Heating and Cooling. Paul will always be remembered for his willingness to serve and not expecting anything in return. He could never say “no” when it came to helping others. In continuation of his willingness to serve, Paul served his church, St. Peter Catholic Church, in numerous capacities throughout his entire life. He served as the president of St. Peter School Board, was a 3rd degree Knights of Columbus member, served as city councilman for ward 4 in Marshall, and was an active member of Marshall Optimist Club. He also served as a Scoutmaster for many years and became a mentor for many of the scouts who didn’t have a father figure. He and Ann were both honored to receive the Al Bunch Humanitarian Award in 2013 for their commitment to service. He was also honored be named as an outstanding school alumnus from St. Peter School in 2009. Paul was a member of American Legion Post 558 in Malta Bend, the National Association of Fleet Tug Sailors and the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society.
In addition to his wife of over 74 years, Ann; he is survived by two children, Beverly Kennedy (Pat) of Marshall and Randy Collier (Maribeth) of Springfield; two grandchildren, Megan Kennedy of Springfield and Dr. Elizabeth Monter (Scott) of Charleston, SC; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended family.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Marie Hogan; and three infant siblings.