John Robert Collett

JOHN ROBERT COLLETT

Washington

John Robert Collett, age 91, of Washington, Iowa, died Friday, June 4, 2021, at the United Presbyterian Home in Washington.

Celebration of life services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 9, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home with Pastor Darryl Carr officiating. Calling hours will begin 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 8, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Interment will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. Memorials have been established for Hospice of Washington County. Online condolences may be sent for John's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com.

John was born July 26, 1929, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Oscar Clarence and Violet (Engel) Collett. He attended the Red Brick School south of Washington. John was united in marriage to Betty Joan Carey on April 12, 1952, in Washington.

John was employed by the Washington County Roads Department as a heavy equipment operator and road grader for 29 years until his retirement in 1991. He later worked at DeLong Construction and Leichty Construction.

John served in the Army National Guard for several years. He enjoyed deer hunting, mowing and working in his yard, going on drives and going to area casinos. He assisted his wife by frosting thousands of sugar cookies over the years.

He is survived by one son, John Wayne Collett and wife Beverly of Grandview, Iowa; four daughters, Peggy Grim and husband John of Johnston, Iowa; Karen Redlinger and husband Joe of Washington, Iowa; Christine Barker and husband Ron of Wappapello, Missouri; and Laura Walsh and husband Tony of Washington, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Marilyn Weatherman of Washington, Iowa.

John was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joan Collett, in 2018; two brothers, Arthur Collett and Clarence "Buck" Collett; eight sisters, Bea Behrend, Eva Mithcell, Lucille Orr, Martha Johnston, Mildred Whalen, Hazel Warnken, Mary Fish and Lena Beatrice Collett; and a special aunt, Clyla Knottnerus.