Wayne Collier

Wayne W. Collier, age 76, of Columbiaville died suddenly July 5, 2014. Wayne was born September 19, 1937 in Flint, the son of the late Wesley and Dorotha Collier. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne. He married JoAnn Palek on September 8, 1956. Wayne was a member of the Lapeer 40&8, Lapeer Eagles Club, Michigan Licensed Beverage Association, and Buick Salaried Retiree's Club. He enjoyed golfing, classic cars, and a great hand of cards with anyone. He retired from Buick in 1988 after 32 ½ years of service and worked at Masco Tech in Royal Oak and Oxford from 1993 till 1999. Wayne co-owned the Backdoor Lounge in Columbiaville, and was known by many for his contagious smile and handshakes. Wayne always enjoyed a good joke on others and himself. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren and their achievements and activities. Wherever Wayne was, children gravitated to him because he was so childlike within. Wayne is survived by his wife JoAnn, children: Stephanie Stiles, Michael ( Susan ) Collier, and Leslie ( Steven ) Shamel, brother Gordon ( Judy ) Collier, and 5 grandchildren: Alexandra, Andrew, Matthew, Jennifer, and Jackson. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Jennifer. Funeral service 11:00 AM Wednesday from Jansen Family Funeral Home - Columbiaville, where friends may visit Tuesday 3-5 & 7-9 PM. Memorial contributions in memory of Wayne may be made to Wounded Warriors Project.