DOVER - Jesse E. Collier passed away peacefully on Sept. 6, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Charlottesville, Va. on Dec. 17, 1930 to the late Clarence and Bertha Mae (Collier) Lester.
Jesse graduated from The Miller School of Albemarle, formerly known as The Miller Manual Labor School. It was there that he learned important lessons that would serve him throughout his life. He enlisted in the United States Air Force and served proudly for 20 years, retiring in 1968 with the rank of Master Sergeant. His Air Force career as a flight engineer took him around the world many times and laid the foundation for his personal and professional success. He often spoke passionately about the leadership skills and strong friendships he developed as a result of his military service. After his military career he worked at ILC Industries during "the Apollo years" and later at The DuPont Company. He retired from his position as a Project Manager at The DuPont Company in 1991 after 18 years of service.
Jesse was a member of Union Lodge No. 7, AF&AM for over 50 years, serving as the Worshipful Master in 1972. He also served as the Lodge Secretary from 1978-1984. He donated many hours of service to the Masonic Lodge by serving on the Board of the Masonic Hall Corporation for a number of years, and also by providing building supervision and assisting in the planning and construction of the existing Lodge building on Wyoming Mill Road. His lodge brothers would surely agree that he always had the best interests of the lodge at heart when voicing his opinion or casting a vote.
Jesse was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Mary Jacqueline "Jackie" Collier, who passed away just a few short months ago; his brother, C. Louin Collier of Ruckersville, Va.; and sister. Ruth Collier of Charlottesville, Va. He is survived by his children, John R. Collier and his wife Cathy of Milton, Gary L. Collier and his wife Kathleen of Tomball, Texas, and Elizabeth A. Jones and her husband Tad of Dover; his brother, David W. Collier and his wife Vreni of Earlysville, Va.; his sister, Peggy I. Cassity and her husband Bill of Jacksonville, Fla.; and his brother, Robert A. Lester and his wife Flora Lynn of Salisbury, N.C. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank his caregivers at Dover Place and his close friends, neighbors and lodge brothers who remained steadfast during the past few months, providing care, friendship and support in his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Union Lodge No. 7, AF&AM, 1486 Wyoming Mill Rd., Dover, Delaware 19904.
Funeral services will be held 12 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018 at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt.10), Dover. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Interment will be in Monticello Memory Garden, Charlottesville, Va. at a later date.
Letters of condolences may be sent and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.