Donald R. Collier

Donald R. Collier, 94, of Fremont, OH passed away Monday, July 1, 2013 at Otterbein North Shore in Lakeside, OH. He was born on November 19, 1918 in Piney Fork, OH to William Cornelius and Eulalia “Eula” (Bauman) Collier. He was a 1937 graduate of St. Joseph High School.

Donald served in the U.S. Army as a Staff Sergeant with the 148th Infantry from February 11, 1941 to May 21, 1945 in the Philippine Islands and Northern Solomon’s Campaigns. Donald was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation; Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Stars; American Defense Service Ribbon; Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star; Good Conduct Ribbon and Combat Infantryman Badge.

Donald married Kathryn “Kaye” R. Basch on June 21, 1945 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Fremont and she preceded him in death on March 9, 2013. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Eagles, Moose and VFW. He enjoyed boating, fishing, golfing, the outdoors and spending the winters in Clearwater, FL with his wife.

Donald is survived by his daughter, Marcia (James) Ritzman, Port Clinton, OH; granddaughters, Jodi (Brian) Jones, Lima, OH, Amy Ritzman, Essex Junction, VT; great grandchildren, Zacharie and Gabrielle Jones.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of sixty-seven years, Kathryn “Kaye” R. Collier; brothers, Robert, Howard and Arthur Collier; sister, Laura Dosenzuk.

Visitation: Friday from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 550 Smith Rd, Fremont, OH.

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, July 5, 2013, 10:30 am at the Church with Fr. Jacob Gordon officiating.

Burial: St. Joseph Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the American Legion and V.F.W.

Memorials: Otterbein-North Shore, 9400 North Shore Blvd, Lakeside, OH 43440.

Offer Condolences for the family of Donald R. Collier