John Richard Collier

Our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend went home to be with his Lord, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and love that touched countless lives.

John was born August 23, 1938, in Temperance Michigan to Ray Arnold Collier and Wintress Rosalea (Pratt) Collier.

He was devoted to the love of his life, Loretta Bird, with whom he shared 66 wonderful years of marriage. Together they walked hand in hand through life’s many adventures, always blessing others along the way with their kindness and generosity.

He loved his two daughters fiercely and cherished his family deeply. His life was marked by service—to his country, his community, and his faith.

John proudly served 20 years in the United States Air Force before continuing his education and graduating from Oklahoma Baptist University. His strong faith led him to preach and minister to others in Oklahoma, Ohio, Italy, and England, sharing God’s word wherever he was called.

Music was also a joy in his life, and he loved to sing and play the guitar. In his younger years he enjoyed the thrill of racing motorcycles. Throughout his life he remained active in his church, faithfully teaching Sunday School and encouraging those around him.

John was well known in the community as “Mr. C,” a substitute teacher at Tecumseh High School, where he made a lasting impact on many students.

His dedication to public service led him to serve the City of Tecumseh as Mayor, a City Council member, and Chaplain of the Tecumseh Police Department, always striving to help and uplift those around him.

He was truly a blessing to all who knew him.

The light he left behind will continue to shine through the many lives he touched. His kindness, faith, and love will never be forgotten.

Thank you for sharing your wonderful life with us. You will be deeply missed. Until we see you again.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Arnold Collier and Wintress Rosalea (Pratt) Collier; brother, Raymond F. Collier; sisters, Shirley J. Marlow and Lolita Rose Jenssen; great grandchild, Sweetpea Wilburn.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Loretta; daughters, Loraine Lee Allen and husband Kelley and Brenda Nease and husband Randy; sister, Karen D. Miller and husband Darrell; grandchildren, Kody Allen and wife Kenna, Kaylee Wilburn and husband Tyler, Kristin Dunn and husband Austin, Jeremy Nease and wife Suhaila; great grandchildren, Archer Dunn, Karter Allen, Sutton Allen, Coleson Wilburn, Sawyer Willburn, Braylon Nease, Jaden Newport and Jaxon Newport; as well as numerous extend family and friends.

Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. March 17, 2026, through March 19, 2026 at Cooper Funeral Home. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday March 20, 2026, at Cooper Funeral Home Chapel, in Tecumseh Oklahoma, officiated by Reverend Larry Sparks, Blackburn Chapel Baptist Church, Bethel Acres, Oklahoma. Burial to follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home.