"So sorry to hear of Keith's passing. I will always remember him with that huge smile that lit up not only his face, but all those around him. He was a great addition to our Post-Polio group. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. "
In loving memory of
Keith Collier
October 23, 2009
Keith Vance Collier entered into this life on May 28, 1935 and left to be with the Lord on October 23, 2009.
Keith was the youngest of his siblings, Shirley Collier Wood and Joe Edward Collier, born to Oral Collier and Susie Williamson who all preceded him in death.
In his younger days growing up in Shenandoah, IA, Keith was very involved with the Boy Scouts, later becoming a Scout leader and traveling as far as New Mexico and California for Jamborees and Scout Camp.
Keith enjoyed the outdoors, and until his health began to deteriorate from Post Polio Syndrome and Heart Disease, would go swimming, fishing, canoeing, snorkeling, camping and sailing as often as he could.
In the summer of 1961, while working as a surveyor for the Iowa Department of Transportation, Keith met his sweetheart, Ann Louis Artherholt at Viking Lake, near Stanton, Iowa and they united in marriage on June 6, 1964, celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary earlier this year.
After Keith and Ann were married, they moved to Maryville, Missouri, where Keith obtained his degree in Education/Industrial Arts with a minor in Drafting from North West Missouri State College.
Keith and Ann later moved to Bland, Missouri, then Fayette, Missouri, where they added to their family a daughter, Cynthia Louise Collier. Once their family was complete, they moved to Columbia, Missouri, where Keith worked as a teacher at Rock Bridge Sr. High School, then later a Draftsman and Estimator at Semco Manufacturing Company. Keith's love of photography drew him to later work at Columbia Photo for many years before moving to Springfield, Missouri in 1992, where he worked as a Night Auditor and then and Office Manager, from which he retired.
In 2006, Keith and Ann moved back to Columbia, Missouri to be closer to their daughter and two grandchildren, Kyle Hubert Lee Crites and Dominique Sophie Crites, who he has enjoyed watching grow and become young adults in his most recent profession, full-time Grandpa.
Keith touched many people, and never knew a stranger. Those of us who had the privilege to know him, will forever hold a place in our hearts for his teachings, jokes and kindness.
You are loved and will be missed.
Keith leaves behind his wife, Ann Louise Collier of the home, his daughter, Cynthia Louise Lagunas and her children Kyle and Dominique, all of Columbia; Brothers and Sisters-In-Law, Dr. William and Alice Artherholt and Bruce and Jan Artherholt, all of Red Oak, Iowa; H.E. "Woody" Wood of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Charlotte Miller of Weston, Missouri, several nieces and nephews, their families, and many friends.
Funeral Services will be provided by Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home, 208 W. Clarinda, P.O. Box 395, Shenandoah, Iowa 51601. Memorials may be sent to Southwest Center for Independent Living, Attn: Post-Polio Support Group, 2864 S. Nettleton Ave., Springfield, MO 65807
Tributes
"Keith and I were tent mates for the National Jamboree in California. I will always remember how I looked up him for his leadership, patience and listening ability -- especially putting up with me as a young Scout from Clarinda. Sorry I didn't keep up with your family over the years, especially since I was in Columbia in the early '60s. Our thoughts are with you. John Woolson"
" I want to express my sincere sympathy for the loss of your loved one. You can be assured that comfort and hope are found in the pages of the Bible. Revelations 21:4 speaks of a time when sorrow will be no more. This is a wonderful hope during our times of grief and pain. Please take care of yourselves. Sincerely "
"Ann and Family: Just a note to tell you how saddened I was to hear that Keith had died. It seems like yesterday when we talked on the phone concerning Shirley's memorial service. He mentioned his health issues but his voice was strong and he sounded in good spirits. His family and mine go way, way back and that includes many, many good memories of our shared days in our Shenandoah neighborhood. The Colliers were good people and that includes all the children. Please know that I do have good menories of Keith too. In His Name, Keith "
"Keith was a loyal and caring friend. in school we loved our photography and good natured badgering each other on which film and camera was best. The big guy upstairs will certainly welcome him with open arms and comfort his loved ones."
"Ann and family, So sorry to hear about your loss. "
"Know that I am there for your family...your dad was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed...I'm glad i got to share part of my life with him and your mom...I love you all"
"I miss you and love you very much Daddy."