Robert W. Collier

Robert W. (Bob) Collier, 91, of South Bend died peacefully in his home on July 18, 2019 after a lengthy illness.  Known to the world simply as Bob, he was born January 7, 1928 in Jasonville, IN to the late Vance (Whitey) and Catherine (née Hemsley) Collier, the eldest of three children. 

Bob served in the Army Air Corps with the rank of Private at the end of World War II before his discharge in 1946.  He returned to South Bend to begin a career as a government-certified tank welder, a profession he was very proud of.  Bob’s first love was welding, and he did it until injury forced a change.  Bob spent his second career self-employed first as an auto mechanic, and later as a process server. 

Bob was an avid reader and, by and large, self-educated.  He was a Civil War and WWII buff and loved anything to do with guns.  Bob enjoyed driving vacations and loved telling stories.  He was a long-time member of the American Legion 284 in South Bend and a member of the former DAV 39.  He will be remembered for being a hard working a man, one who always treated you fair and honest in business dealings.  Most of all, however, he will be remembered for his love of Euchre, beer, and time with family and friends.    

Bob is survived by his wife of 42 years, Cherie Collier (née Zeiger); a sister, Marcella Collier of Goodyear, AZ; a son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Carole Collier of MI; daughter and son-in-law, Montissa and Willie Williams of Seattle, WA; a son-in-law, Richard Calkins of Albuquerque, NM; a daughter and son-in-law, Laurie (née Schoner) and James Pierce of Niles, MI; a son and son-in-law, Don Schoner and Bobby Strickland of Decatur, GA; a son-in-law and daughter-in-law, Rich and Brenda Murnane of Goshen, IN; eight grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Caroline Ross; daughter, Jamal Calkins; daughter, Becky Stahl; and daughter, Kim Steinbrunner. 

Funeral services will be held at Palmer Funeral Home, Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN on Wednesday, July 24th at 10:00am with committal services at Southlawn Cemetery following, Pastor Dale Welling officiating.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday at 4:00pm until 7:00pm at the funeral home.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Center for Hospice, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or a charity of your choice in Bob’s name.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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