Obituary of Earl D. Collson

COLLSON, Earl D. Age 97, a longtime resident of Church St. in Erin, passed away at home with his family by his side Saturday evening Sept. 17, 2011. He was born in the Town of Baldwin, Dec. 26, 1913 to John D. and Susie (Harris) Collson also of the Town of Baldwin. He was a graduate of Breesport High School, attended Teachers Training in Horseheads, and taught in several one room school houses in Chemung County. During the depression years he continued teaching and also worked for the CCC, the Civilian Conservation Corps doing carpentry and road construction. During WWII he worked at Elmira Precision Tool, Remington Rand, and Bendix Eclipse. He was a foreman of a crew making Norden Bombsights after being trained in NYC for this position. Post-War, Earl owned and operated a country grocery store in Erin, NY for over 20 years after which he returned to school to finish his teaching degree. He then taught 6th grade and coached basketball at Spencer-VanEtten School. He retired from teaching in 1975. He loved his students and coaching and was also an active bowler. After retirement he and his wife enjoyed winters in Florida and traveling. At age 80, he learned the craft of chair caning and built, repaired, and re-caned chairs for several years. As a resident of Erin, he was a charter member of the Fire Commission, Trustee of his church, trustee of Scotchtown Cemetery Association and member of both the Erin Historical Society and the Erin Senior Citizens. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brothers, Lester in1971 and John in 1981. He was also predeceased by his wife Marjorie (Davis) Collson in Nov. 1998 after nearly 63 years of marriage. He is survived by his children, Joan (Fred) Swan of Lexington, NC, Judith (David) Emerson of Lincoln, CA, Rod (Beverly) Collson of Horseheads, NY, Terry (Bruce) Bettis of Gilbert AZ; ten grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild. He is also survived by a favorite niece, Ann (Tom) Johnson of Hopewell, NJ and special friend and companion for more than 10 years, Ruth Granville and many other loving friends. Family and friends are invited to call at the Barber Funeral Home 413 S. Main St. Horseheads on Wed. Sept. 21, 2011 from 2-4:00 and 6-8:00 pm, his service will be celebrated in the Erin United Methodist Church, Church St. Erin, NY on Thurs Sept. 22, 2011 at 11:00 am with the Rev. Beverly Davenport officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in Scotchtown Cemetery. In lieu of flowers those wishing may remember Earl with memorials to Erin United Methodist Church PO Box 127, Erin NY 14838 or Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 East Corning Rd. Corning, NY 14830. Condolences and remembrances may also be left and viewed at www.barberfuneralhome.com