Mr. Harold L. Collier

Harold Leroy Collier, 91, of Lee’s Summit, MO, a long-time Virginian, and beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away on June 5, 2024, in Kansas City, MO. The son of James and Hattie Collier (deceased) of Charlottesville VA, he inherited his love of music, baseball, and faith from his hardworking parents.

After graduating from Lane High School, Charlottesville VA, Harold began his academic journey at Mars Hill College, NC. He completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Virginia in 1959, proudly joining the ranks of loyal Cavaliers. During his college years, he was drafted and served with pride in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, stationed in Verona, Italy.

Harold flourished in his 38-year telecommunications career in management with Centel and Frontier Communications, enthusiastically relocating his family to various locations: Virginia, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, and Minnesota. With a civic mindset and commitment to his faith, he actively participated in community endeavors, holding memberships in the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, and Rotary International. Additionally, he assumed roles as President of the Virginia Telephone and Telegraph Association and served as church deacon.

Harold is survived by his “partner in life” and wife of 62 years, Pauline “Polly” Collier, whom he eagerly courted after meeting on a blind date. Together, they raised four children and doted on 10 grandchildren. Their family includes daughter Sharron Markway (Mike) of Fort Worth, TX, with grandchildren Austin Markway and Lauren Markway; son Hal L. Collier Jr. (Jill) of Rochester, MI, with grandchildren Bryan Collier, Haley Collier, and Jacob Collier; daughter Deborah Wurtsbaugh (Mike) of Atlanta, GA, with grandchildren Anna Wurtsbaugh and Erin Wurtsbaugh; and daughter Donna Miller (Greg) of Kansas City, MO, with grandchildren Ethan Miller, Grant Miller, and Lance Miller. Harold is preceded in death and now reunited in heaven with his parents, brothers James Jr. and Wayne, and his sister Earline Wells.

Big-hearted and gentlemanly, he consistently expressed gratitude for his full and blessed life. In retirement, he found joy in the simple things, relishing food and fellowship, delighting in what he affectionately called "war pictures," embarking on cross-country road trips, and savoring his renowned homemade biscuits and gravy.

In our sorrow, as a family, we offer thanks to God for the extraordinary gift of this man and for the kindness shown by friends and neighbors who have showered our family with love.

A time of visiting will begin at 11am followed by his Celebration of Life at 12pm on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the First Baptist Church, 2 NE Douglas Street, Lee’s Summit, MO, 64063. Interment will be at Old Providence Church in Steeles Tavern, VA, at a future date.

Donations can be made to the First Baptist Church in Lee’s Summit online at https://www.fbcls.info/giving or a charity of your choice. Thank you.