William H. Collar
William H. Collar, “Bill” 83 of McMurray, went home to be with his heavenly father on Sunday, October 31, 2021. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Bill fought a courageous battle with dementia, and managed his illness with strength and grace. He wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones as possible. On his final day, he was surrounded by his family, whom he adored more than anything else in the world.
Bill was born on July 28, 1938, in Canonsburg, the son of the late Charles Louis and Edna Mae Haught Collar.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Sharyn Darlene Collar; and his infant daughter, Robin Renee Collar.
He grew up in Houston, and spent many fun hours with his cousins, Donny & Danny Rathbone, and Dale & Bob Russell. He was a member of the Chartiers-Houston Marching Band, and worked at the Blue Star Potato Chip Factory.
Bill met the love of his life, Alice, during a high school football game at the age of 16. He was a devoted and wonderful husband, and referred to his wife as his “Bride” even after 62 years of marriage.
He graduated from Chartiers-Houston High School and continued his education at Washington and Jefferson College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics, and was on the Sharp Shooters Rifle Team. While in college he was a member of the ROTC and graduated as a Second Lieutenant. Bill then served in the U. S. Army in the Artillery Division, winning many accolades and awards for his sharp shooting skills.
After his time in the Army, he went to Rutgers University where he completed his master’s degree.
Bill believed in education and giving back to the community. He taught math at Peters Township High School for 31 years and specialized in Calculus. He was the Department Head of Mathematics and was instrumental in bringing the AP classes to Peters Township to help students earn college credits. He also coached the Boys Tennis Team for decades, and was very proud when they won the State WPIALS.
He retired in 1993 and enjoyed 28 years of retirement.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Canonsburg for many years and then became a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in McMurray. Bill was an active member and sang in the church choir, was on many committees, but truly loved being a member of the Saturday morning Men’s Group at Trinity and formerly, the United Methodist Men’s Group of Canonsburg.
He was a man of God and always spoke kindly of everyone. His loving heart was shared with everyone he met and even during his last days, he always thanked everyone for helping him no matter how small or big the task.
Bill loved his family and truly enjoyed spending time with them. He went on multiple fishing trips to Canada every year with his son, grandson, and fishing buddies. He loved his yearly Tennessee trips with his daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, and wife. Fishing and looking for black bear were some of his favorite things to do. He also enjoyed vegetable gardening, hunting, helping anyone in need, volunteering, and family game nights every week.
Surviving is his beloved wife of 62 years, Alice Cheeseman Collar; a son, Mark Collar and his wife, Jeannette; a daughter, Tracy Collar-Mirich and her husband, Peter; two grandchildren, Lane Collar (Marissa Custer) and Mikayla Mirich; a great-grandson, Benjamin Collar, a nephew, Jim Moore; a niece Janice (Barry) Simmons; and two cats, Zoe and Sammy.
Bill was a no “fufu” kind of guy. He worked hard and taught his family well. He believed in always being kind, communicating, forgiveness, and praying for one another and now he is in heaven fishing with the Lord.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 3rd and 4th at the Beinhauer Funeral Home, 2828 Washington Road, McMurray (724-941-3211).
A service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 5, 2021, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 530 Center Church Road, McMurray, Pastor Jeffrey A. Vanderhoff and Pastor Mark A. Stewart officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Appalachian Bear Rescue in Tennessee, P.O. Box 364, Townsend, TN 37882 or online at appalachianbearrescue.org.
Please add tributes at beinhauer.com.