Ronald "Ron" J. Collier

Ron was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at his home with his family by his side at the age of 87. He was born March 7, 1937 in Essexville, Michigan to the late Russel and Regina (Vermeesch) Collier. On November 12, 1960, he married Marilyn Hanover and they were married for 61 years. Ron was a faithful member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, the former St. Maria Goretti, where he was an usher, a member of the men’s club and founding member of the Men’s Horseshoe League. Ron was also a member of the Essexville Knight of Columbus. He worked as a sales rep for Forrest manufacturing for 34 years. Ron proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1964. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, playing horseshoes, watching the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions and most of all, he loved spending time with his family.

Ron is survived by his children, Brenda Gillespie, Robert "Bob" Collier, Pam Collier and Ryan (Lisa) Collier; brother, Bill (Clarice) Collier; grandchildren, Josh (J.R.), Becky (Jon), Jessie (Andrew), Sarah, Ryley, Tyler (Missy), Andrew (Alexa), Johnathan, Savannah, Logen (Matthew) and Kalib; great grandchildren, Summer, Theo, James, Oliver, Hannah, Abby and Chris; great-great granddaughter, Ava; sister-in-law’s, Carol Schmolitz and Barb Hanover and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Marilyn Collier; grandson, Joey; son-in-law, Jim Gillespie; sister, Shirley (Jim) Keenan; brother-in-law’s, Dale, Gale and Melvin Hanover.

Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gephart Funeral Home. A vigil service for Ron will be Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Ron will lie in state on Friday at the Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Funeral Liturgy will take place at 12:00 Noon on Friday, February 7, 2025 at St. Catherine of Siena Parish. Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Jim Bessert with Military Honors to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be considered to the Wishes of the Family.