Joseph Eugene Collard

Joseph E.  “Gene” Collard Sr, was born July 16, 1925, the oldest son of Adelore E. Collard and Alice Oderwald Collard, in Topeka, Kansas. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School and graduated from Capitol Catholic High School in 1943. He served in the Navy from 1943-1946 in the Asian Theatre. He married Mildred Dechand on June 17, 1947. Their four children are Cathy Harrison of Topeka, KS, Joseph Collard Jr. (Junilla) Parker, TX, Connie Cooper (Ronnie Sr.) Hahira, GA  & John A Collard (Janet) Longview, TX. He was employed by Hawthorne Supply from 1947-1970. He was one of the three founders of CAC Supply in 1970. He was a member of Council 2608 of the Knights of Columbus and James W. Gibbons Assembly of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He was past Grand Knight of the Council and served as District Deputy for nine years. He also served as financial secretary for 47 years. He was a member of Nocturnal Adoration Society at St. Joseph’s Church. He was also a member of VFW Post 2709 and Post 400 of American Legion. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Adelle Dechand, and his son-in-law Lee Harrison. He is survived by his wife, four children, twenty-one grandchildren, thirty two great-grandchildren, one great, great grandchild, and  his brother Robert F. Collard of Auburn, KS.  

Gene will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Friday after 2:00 p.m. where a Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Rosary and Chalice Ceremony at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Parish Rosary at 7:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post 421 and the U.S. Navy detail.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to St. Joseph Renovation Fund and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.

Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.