Gary Dennis Collar, 78, of Butler, Pennsylvania, passed away on Tuesday, June 29 at Good Samaritan Hospice
He was born July 17, 1942, in Meadville, Pennsylvania to the late Richard Glenn Collar and the late Charlotte Avonel Shankle Collar.
Gary graduated from Worthington-West Franklin High School and then went on to attend Indiana State University, received a Bachelor of Education in 1964. He was in the US Army, serving for two years, and then went to the PA National Guard, where he served for 18 years, retiring in 1984 as Lieutenant Colonel. Gary also worked in insurance & investment sales, and as a teacher. He worked at Trinity Lutheran Church, where he was also a member. Gary belonged to the Butler Little Theatre, Musical Theatre Guild, and the American Legion Post #778 of Lyndora. He enjoyed running, traveling, reading, and golfing.
Gary is survived by his wife, Susan Elaine Morgan Collar, who he married on August 10, 1968; one sister, Susan (David) Jack of Venice, FL; one sister-in-law, Barbara Collar of Cabot, PA; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Larry Collar, and Donald “Jake” Collar; and one sister-in-law, Bonnie Collar.
Friends will be received Friday, July 2, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Thompson – Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 East North Street Butler, PA.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 3, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 120 Sunset Dr., Butler, PA, with Pastor Joel Benson, officiating.
Burial will take place in the Worthington Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Butler Little Theatre, 1 Howard St., Butler, PA 16001, Butler Area Public Library, 218 N. McKean St., Butler, PA 16001, and Trinity Lutheran Church, 120 Sunset Dr., Butler, PA 16001.
Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.