FREEMAN COLLIER, age 76, a resident of Villa Ridge, IL, died Saturday, April 6, 2019, at the family home north of Charleston.

He was born July 9, 1942 in Cape Girardeau, MO to the Freeman and Esther Mitchell Collier, Sr. A graduate of Patton High School, he served 6 years in the MO National Guard and was a lifelong farmer. He was a member of the Unity Baptist Church in Benton where he had served as a deacon for several years.

His greatest love was his family. He maintained close relationships with his siblings and his positive attitude inspired many people during his life. Freeman was a Godly man. He and Bonnie, his wife of 48 years, raised their children in a loving Christian home. His words were wise and in times of need, others turned to him for comfort and support. One of his greatest joys was preparing and enjoying a meal with people. Freeman was a giver and it probably was his most notable quality. He was a master craftsman, having made hundreds of handcrafted Wooden furniture pieces and given them away receiving his pleasure from giving to others. He was a generous and honorable man.

His hobbies in addition to spending time with his wife, children, grand and great grandchildren included hunting, fishing, and wood working projects.

Surviving are his wife, Bonnie Crosier Collier, of the home; two children, Danita Collier Keen of Charleston and David (Dawn) Collier of Benton; four sisters, Barbara Kehoe, Carrie Trentham, and Helen (Doyle) Holland all of St. Louis and Charlotte Schneider of Fredericktown; four grandchildren, Kyle (Brooke) Chipman of Dexter, Drew Keen of Charleston, Kama Collier and Layne Collier both of Benton; and great grandchildren, Jo Chipman, Rae Chipman, and Baby Girl Keen arriving in July 2019.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Charles Collier, Glen Collier, Ralph Collier; and two sisters, Naomi Simmons, and Alice Lincoln.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at the McMikle Funeral Home from 11:00 am until the funeral hour at 1:00 pm. Michael Collier, his nephew from Conway, Arkansas, will officiate.

Interment will follow in the IOOF Cemetery under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Kyle Chipman Drew Keen, Kama Collier, Layne Collier, Lonnie Cobb, Shannon Collier, Titus Weaver, and Jon Hostetter.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Susanna Wesley Family Learning Center, 601 W. Marshall, Charleston, MO 63834.