Robert Collier Jr. '51
August 20, 2018 10:39 AM
updated: August 20, 2018 10:41 AM
Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home obituary
Dallas, TX
214-363-5401
Robert Leon Collier Jr.
JULY 27, 1930 – AUGUST 13, 2018
Robert “Bob” Leon Collier, Jr., dutiful son, devoted husband, supportive father and grandfather, loyal Aggie and Korean War Veteran, died on August 13, 2018, at the age of 88. Bob was born on July 27, 1930, in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was the only child of
Essie Orial Jackson Collier and Robert L. Collier, Sr., who were wholeheartedly involved in every aspect of their beloved Bobby’s life. He was an adorable child and in a moment of motherly pride, Essie took him to a casting call for The Little Rascals, where
he was cast in one of the films. Growing up in Corpus Christi, Bob developed a lifelong love of sailing and tennis. In high school, he was President of the Hi-Y Club, a community service and social organization. In the fall of 1947, Bob enrolled at Texas A&M
University, where he was in the Corps of Cadets Infantry Company B. In a pivotal moment of his life, on a Corps Trip to Fort Worth during Bob’s senior year, he met the love of his life, Trudy Aston. Trudy was a beautiful and intelligent woman majoring in Journalism
at Texas State College for Women. Only four months later, Bob proposed to Trudy at the Senior Ring Dance with a “sweetheart ring” -- a small replica of the classic Aggie ring. During the Korean War, Bob served in the infantry and trained recruits at Fort Benning
Infantry School. After his service in the army, Bob worked for Continental Emsco, opening the first oil field supply store in Rock Springs, Wyoming. He later worked for the Atlantic Richfield Company and Penrod Petroleum. Once retired, Bob further cultivated
his interests: traveling with Trudy, meeting with his Aggie classmates, playing tennis, following the financial markets, watching old westerns and maintaining the best kept yard in the neighborhood. Bob was elated when both of his daughters chose to attend
Texas A&M University. They graduated with degrees from the school of Business ’81 and the school of Engineering ’85. It was a great day when the family gathered in G. Rollie White Coliseum for these two graduations. Bob and Trudy’s legacy lives on through
their family: Martha Katherine “Kay” Collier Deahl, her husband Dr. Tim Deahl, their two sons Timothy and Robert, and Timothy’s wife Morgan; Carol Ann Collier Brown, her husband Greg Brown, and their sons Marshall and Alec. Bob and Trudy were engaged in the
lives of their family, gathering together for every important occasion. One of their favorite family gatherings happened annually on July 4th when they would attend community parades and watch fireworks with their children and grandchildren. At noon on January
12, 2019, we hope you can join us for a Celebration of the Life of Robert L. Collier, Jr. The ceremony will be held at Sparkman Hillcrest Chapel on 7405 W. Northwest Hwy, Dallas, Texas, and will be followed by a reception. Afterwards, there will be an interment
for both Robert and Trudy Collier.
Services
12
JANUARY
Memorial Service
12:00 pm
SPARKMAN/HILLCREST FUNERAL HOME
7405 West Northwest Highway
Dallas, TX 75225