Joseph ‘Tony’ Collard

August 27, 1948 – October 7, 2022

After a courageous and difficult battle with oral and throat cancer, Joseph Anthony “Tony” Collard journeyed to his heavenly home on October 7, 2022.
Tony was born August 27, 1948, to Thelma and Lloyd Collard of Corsicana. He grew up in a large, loving family with four older brothers and two younger sisters, along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins. To them, he was “Bubba.” He was funny, mischievous, ornery, and protective, but always caring.
On August 5, 1972, he married Martha Snowden, and together they raised two daughters, Kelley and Brandi. Martha and “the girls” were the light of his life, and he was a devoted husband and father. Their home was always filled with love and laughter. Tony and Martha recently celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary surrounded by their friends and family.
Tony was a well-liked and well-respected member of the community. He had a quick wit and a sharp sense of humor, which he retained throughout his illness, writing jokes on his dry erase board when he lost his voice.
Tony loved cooking and sharing meals with his family, and the kitchen was his domain. Whether it was as simple as having a pizza ready when his daughters came home from a date or as elaborate as preparing a holiday feast, he always nailed it to perfection.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Richard, Glenn, and Jackie Dunlap; and his daughter, Robin. He is survived by his wife, Martha; his daughter Kelley and her husband Alan; his daughter Brandi and her husband Scott; his granddaughter Jillian; his grandson Spencer; his brother Kenneth; his sisters Sarah and Cheryl; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Kelley and Brandi would like to express their gratitude to their aunts, Sarah and Sallie, their cousin Teresa, and family friend Mitch Prowell for their help and support; to the staff at Heritage Oaks, Guardian Home Health, and Bristol Hospice for their compassionate care; to Father Leon Duesman for his spiritual guidance; and to Doctor David Kang for his extraordinary surgical skill.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to James L. Collins Catholic School or another charity of your choosing.
May the Lord support us all the day long, till the shades lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in his mercy may he give us a safe lodging, and holy rest, and peace at the last.