Hugh Donald "Goose" Collier Obituary (1933 - 2016)

Hugh "Goose" Donald Collier, 83, of Coffeyville, Kansas passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at CRMC surrounded by his family. Hugh was born on July 20, 1933 in Green Forest, Arkansas to Hugh Alexander and Francis Elnora (Hubbs) Collier. He grew up in Green Forest where he graduated high school. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country earning the rank of SP3 from 1953 until 1955 when he received his honorable discharge. On April 30, 1966 he was united in marriage to the love of his life and best friend, Mary Lou Lauderdale. The couple made their home in Wichita, Kansas where they raised their three children. He worked for the Derby Refinery as an operator for 26 years. In 1981 the family moved to Coffeyville, Kansas where "Goose" worked for Montgomery County in the Road and Bridge Department for 21 years until his retirement. He raised cattle for a time and enjoyed watching NASCAR races and professional wrestling. But what he loved most of all was his family. He filled every moment he could with spending time together with his wife, kids and grandkids. Surviving to honor his memory is his wife, Mary Lou of the home; children, Donnie Collier and wife Jennifer of Independence, Kansas, Susan Howard and husband Jon of Coffeyville, Kansas, Cody Collier and wife Niki of Niotaze, Kansas; he was "Pepa" to eight wonderful grandchildren, Crickett Collier, Autumn Stefanopoulos, Sam Farmer, Katie Bowman and husband Mark, Devin Collier, Amber Howard, Emily Collier and Danny Collier; a great grandson, Matt Miller; sister, Sharon Graham and husband Jerry of Berryville, Arkansas and his brother, David Collier of Springfield, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Francis and by his daughter, Lori Spears. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. at Tyro Christian Church in Tyro, Kansas. Evangelist David Bycroft will officiate. Interment will follow at Fawn Creek Cemetery near Tyro, Kansas. Military Honors at the graveside will be provided by the Coffeyville VFW Post #1022 and American Legion Post #20. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Family will greet friends Tuesday evening at the funeral home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The family has suggested memorials be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and may be left at the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 N. Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.