Gene Gilbert Collier

Gene Gilbert Collier born in St. Louis, MO November 22, 1929 as the first son of John A. and Margaret "Peggy" Collier, left his earthly journey on January 28, 2018 in Columbia, MO.

Gene was one of five siblings to be born and raised in S. Louis. At an early age he showed signs of his artistic and creative abilities through his drawings, doodling and his ability to get into mischief!! While still in his teens Gene became a teletype operator for the St. Louis Star Times Newspaper and later joined the U.S. Air Force for a four year tour of duty. An early marriage gave birth to his elder son Michael Gene Collier. After the Air Force he began his long time employment with McDonnell Aircraft later know as McDonnell-Douglas and made his home in the St. Louis area. Another marriage produced additional four sons and one daughter. After retiring from McDonnell-Douglas he started a very successful "canoe float" business, called Gasconade Valley Canoe Rentals in Jerome, MO. Retired from that business and moved to Crocker, MO.

His finite and precise pencil drawings are so excellent that his early American locomotive drawings are in the archives of the American Transportation Museum at the Smithsonian. He always showed incredible talent in all his artful adventures including his award winning photography flying with The Blue Angels for McDonnell Douglas. Gene was a master at designing and building furniture. He was meticulous in choosing just the right wood for his designs and the proof was in his finished products.

Gene loved to fish and play golf with his three brothers. He spoke so fondly of his memories of clowning around with his younger brother Dan and how they use to keep us laughing. They were good enough to be a professional comedy team!! His many interest included being an avid coin collector and an expert at gun collecting. With his enormous intelligence he had so many varied interests.

He is survived by his long-time companion A.J. Bell and family Daren and Kimi Bell, Douglas and Ashli Bell and Grandson Gabriel MoGeshickl. Also, Michael and Carola Collier (Santa Clarita, CA), James and Laurie Collier (Madison, AL), David and Sandy Collier (Freeport, IL), Jennifer and Danny Whitt (Texarkana, TX), Jeffrey and Kathy Collier (St. Charles MO) Christopher and Kristin Collier (Dardenne Prairie, MO) as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by sister Charlotte and husband Jim Franklin (Oklahoma City, OK) brother John Collier (Phoenix, AZ). He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Dan Collier and Allen Collier.


The family would like to give thanks to The University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia and Hospice for their excellent care given our loved one in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Wings of Hope, a charity Gene was passionate about. https://wingsofhope.ngo/donate/

To share a memory of Gene or leave a special message for him family, please visit the guestbook below.