Cover for Carl James Collier's Obituary

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Carl James

Carl James Collier Profile Photo

Collier

November 9, 1941 – May 19, 2026

Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Carl Collier, who passed away on May 19th, 2026, at the age of 84.

A lifelong farmer, farming was far more than an occupation to him — it was his passion and the way he cared for those around him. He devoted his life to the land with strength, dedication, and pride, finding joy in hard work, family, and the simple beauty of rural life.

He will be remembered as one of the most genuine people anyone could know — easygoing, kindhearted, caring, and strong. He had a calm and agreeable spirit that made others feel comfortable in his presence, and he was always willing to lend a hand or share a kind word. Above all else, he deeply loved his family and the time he spent with them.

In addition to his years of farming, he proudly served on the Allegan County Soil Conservation District for 40 years where he supported and advocated for the stewardship of the land he loved.

He is lovingly survived by his three children Dave Collier, Carol (Dave) Richards and Marcia (David) Kerber, grandchildren: Andrea (Nate) Caldwell, Joseph (Madison) Richards, Justin (Kristan) Goodenough, Brandon Goodenough, Colton Kerber, and great-grandchildren: Tristan, Damian, Brianne, Wade, Jack, Levi aka Debo and Jett, he was also blessed with three bonus grandchildren and their families: David (Katie) Richards (Zac & Zowie, Addison, Noah, Mason); Mikel (Chrissy) Richards (LoveLynn, Evan, Kaylee, Savannah, Brooklyn); Taresa (Tobin) Fasel (Jacob, Josh, Jaden, Grace), his brother Earl (Linda) Collier, sister-in-law Judy Collier and many nieces and nephews all of whom will carry forward his values, stories, and love.

He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy who was the love of his life, his parents Fred and Pansy and his brother Don.

His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and, in the fields, he faithfully worked throughout his life. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Carl’s visitation will be on Tuesday, May 26, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM and the funeral service will be the following day, Wednesday, May 27, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM all at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, 208 West Main Street, Hopkins, MI 49328. Graveside service with Army military honors to follow the funeral at Poplar Hill.

Memorial donations may be made in Carl’s name to the Hopkins United Methodist Church Food Pantry.

To plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our tree store.

Funeral Services

Visitation

May
26

Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel

208 W Main St, Hopkins, MI 49328

6:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)

Funeral Service

May
27

Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel

208 W Main St, Hopkins, MI 49328

11:00 am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

Army Military Honors

May
27

12:30 - 12:45 pm (Eastern time)

Graveside Service

May
27

12:45 - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)

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