Paul W. “Bob” Collard, 83, of Pittsfield passed away Sunday evening November 15, 2009 at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield.  He was born on the family farm near Pleasant Hill on August 25, 1926, a son to Harvey Ray and Mabel Iva Snyder Collard. He married Helen Scranton on August 16, 1947 in Pittsfield and she preceded him in death on November 20, 1984.  On August 26, 1992, Bob and Nancy Miller were married in Eureka Springs, AK.

Bob worked for Community Gas as a truck and delivery driver and then worked for Pittsfield Skelgas as branch manager before retiring.   He was a member of the Pittsfield First Christian Church, a Navy veteran serving in WWII, and belonged to the Pittsfield American Legion Post #152, Pike County VFW, Pittsfield Moose Lodge #420, and Pittsfield Steak Club.  He enjoyed fishing and going to the farm, his grandchildren, following the stock market, and turkey, deer, quail and rabbit hunting.

His wife Nancy, son Larry (Candy) Collard, and daughter Paula (Kent) Hawley of Pittsfield survive him. Also surviving are five grandchildren; Benjamin Paul Thompson, Sydney Elaine Hawley, Lauren Anne Hawley, Cindy Michelle DeJaynes and Mathew Paul Collard;  two great grandchildren, William Paul DeJaynes and Andrew Nicholas DeJaynes; stepsons Mark Reel of Kansas City, Mo., Doug Reel and Brent Reel of Phoenix, AZ.; brothers Carl (Jean) Collard of Ukia, CA., Pete (Anna) Collard of Pleasant Hill, and sister Mrs Mae Mueller of Pittsfield along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by brothers John Raymond, Guy Cecil, James Myrl, and sisters Marie Newkirk, Allyene Robinson, Virginia Kozell, and Harriett Lou Paulinsky, and one step son, Brian Reel.

Services will be held 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with Michael TenEyck officiating.  Interment will be in the Pittsfield West Cemetery with military graveside rites being accorded by the Pittsfield American Legion Post #152.  A lunch for family and friends will be held after the service at the Pittsfield Crossroads Center.  Visitation will be held Tuesday evening, November 17 from 4 until 8 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield. 

Family suggests that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the Pittsfield First Christian Church, the Pittsfield Legion Post #152, or Illini Community Hospital Chemotherapy Department.

Condolences may be sent to the family at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the services.