Charles Ray Collier

Charles was born to Henderson Lavern Collier and Ruby Jewell Ghan Collier. He was born second oldest of four boys, older brother Alfred Eugene, younger brothers Robert Lavern, and Richard Dayne.

Charles attended primary school in Ford, KS and high school in Dodge City, KS where he lettered in three sports: basketball, football and tennis. While in high school he met Norma Jean Arnold whom he married in 1953. They had three children, Mark Wayne Collier (1954), Sheryl Lynn Collier Ingraham (1956), and David Ray Collier (1958). During his early years of fatherhood, Charles graduated Dodge City Junior College while also working in welding and at a cattle feed lot. In 1963 he relocated to Phoenix, AZ where he studied and started his career in computer programing. This career took him to Victoria, Killeen and Austin, TX before settling in Littleton, CO in 1970. He was employed by Diners Club and retired with them in 1999. Charles enjoyed and participated in softball, tennis, skiing, scuba diving, bowling, and golf. He was a Denver Broncos season ticket holder since 1972. Charles and Norma had a wide circle of friends whom they traveled with, attended a wine tasting club, and a dance club. When Norma suffered a debilitating health crisis in 2002, and until her death in 2017, he was her main caretaker. After she moved into care facilities he visited her almost daily. After her passing, Charles found companionship with Sharon Scheele, where they enjoyed playing poker up to 4 nights a week while enjoying a Jack and Coke. He was a lifelong fan of cars and even enjoyed his Alfa Romero sports car till the day he died.

He is survived by his 6 grandchildren, Kurt, Charles, Travis, Adele, Chelsea, Flynn and 6 great-grandchildren, Zoe, Cal, Sylvie, Marley, Merrick and Murphy. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a highlight of his life. He was preceded in death by his father Laverne, mother Ruby, brothers Eugene and Bob (Robert), wife Norma and son Mark. He was kind, funny, a good storyteller, and a smart, solid and honorable individual whose presence will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life will be held for Charles on Sunday July 26th, 2026 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Grant Ranch Village Center, 7255 W Grant Ranch Blvd, Littleton, CO 80123.