Russell H. "Russ" Collar

Russell H. “Russ” Collar, age 93, of Dover, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Ohio’s Hospice Truman House, New Philadelphia.

Born June 3, 1932, in New Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Francis E. “Frank” and Edna Pearl (Wenger) Collar. Russ attended school in New Philadelphia and went on to serve honorably with the United States Army in a Special Forces Airborne unit during the Korean War. He also served 20 years in the United States Army Reserve, retiring as a First Sergeant. Russ married the former Shirley Lahm, who survives, on May 8, 1953. Soon afterward, he was employed by the City of Dover, where he worked for 17 years. In 1974, Russ took a position with the Ohio Department of Transportation, ultimately retiring in 1987.

In his younger days, Russ coached Little League Baseball and was a member of the Tornado Club; he was a longtime painter of the ‘D’ at Crater Stadium. Russ was a motorcycle racing official in Ohio and nationally, working to ensure safe and fair competition. He also loved the outdoors, especially trapping, which he did for many years, and was inducted into the Trappers Hall of Fame.

Russ will be dearly missed by his wife of 72 years, Shirley; his children, Russell J. (Mona) Collar of Youngstown, Richard Collar of New Philadelphia, and Sandy (Dr. Jon Hastings) Collar of Independence, Kentucky; his granddaughter, Amanda (Brian) DePaul; and his great-grandchildren, Aria and James.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters and brother, Virginia Bork, Juanita, Lucille, and Joe Collar.

Russ will be cremated through the care of the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover, and his family will hold their own private time of remembrance.

Contributions in Russ’ memory may be made to Ohio’s Hospice Truman House, 716 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.