Tommy Ray Collier

Tom R. Collier, 90, of Edmond passed peacefully from this life on March 4, 2021 with his loving granddaughter by his side. Services have been entrusted to the care of Memorial Park Funeral Home and private family services will be held in the coming days.

Tommy Ray Collier was born on April 4, 1930 in Drummond, OK to Raymond and Pauline (Cherry) Collier. Tom’s mother passed away when he was very young and he was mainly raised by his grandmother. He was raised in Edmond and attended school at the Cleveland School in west Edmond. Following his schooling, Tom set out on a cross country trip. A year and a half later he returned to Edmond where he worked on his family farm near what is now 164th and May Ave. At the age of 18, Tom enlisted in the US Navy. He was stationed in San Diego, CA and worked in the foundry of the submarine tender USS Nereus.

While in San Diego, Tom met Imogene Frances Dunnihoo at the local roller skating rink. They were soon married and raised three wonderful children together during their four and a half decades of marriage. Tom was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1950 and the family relocated back to Edmond. Tom continued to work on the farm with his father and his grandmother, eventually saving enough to purchase a home on some land west of the family farm.

Tom spent a few short years working as an ironworker. He helped build several skyscrapers in cities throughout the region. In the mid 1950’s, Tom accepted a position as an elevator mechanic and installer for the Otis Elevator company, retiring in 1990 as a company foreman. His son Tom Jr also joined Otis Elevator company and made a career out of the elevator industry. In addition, his daughter Donna enjoyed owning several businesses throughout her life and son Tony had a long career with General Motors. In 1994 his loving wife Imogene passed away.

Tom was a hardworking man who loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling. One of his favorite trips was to explore the mountains and explore for gold with his son Tony. They didn’t have much success, but they had a great time and made wonderful memories. In the mid 1990’s he met Betty Crabb and soon after they moved to Sandy Bass Bay on Lake Eufaula. In addition, he really enjoyed working with his neighbors on their projects and made many close friends. Tom and Betty spent 15 happy years by each other’s side before her passing in 2011. In 2017 Tom moved in with his son Tony and daughter-in-law Kimberly, where he lived until his passing.

Tom Collier was a loving husband, a caring father, a proud grandfather, and a trusted friend. He left an unmistakable mark on the lives of those around him and he will truly be missed by his family and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, wife Imogene Collier, partner Betty Crabb, and his sister Cherry Lou Harold. He is survived by his three children: Donna Jean Whalen and husband Herb, Thomas Raymond Collier Jr and wife Krista, and Tony Ellis Collier and wife Kimberly; 9 grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren and other beloved family members.

Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at MemorialParkOKC.com.