LaVoine Thomas Collicott

Dec. 1, 1914 - April 15, 2008

WRAY, Colo. -- LaVoine Thomas Collicott was born Dec. 1, 1914, at his parents sod dugout homestead, south of Haigler in Cheyenne County, Kan. He was one of three children and the only son, born to Charlie Thomas and Glena Alice (Workman) Collicott.

His life of 93 years ended April 15, 2008, at Hillcrest Care Center, Wray.

LaVoine moved into Haigler with his parents. He grew up in Haigler and attended Haigler Public Schools.He assisted his father with farming and operating a gas station on the Nebraska/Kansas state line.

LaVoine loved music, and played banjo in the local community band and for many dances. LaVoine spent the rest of his life in the Haigler, Dundy County community,

On June 18, 1940, LaVoine married his sweetheart, Opal Rosella Myer of Haigler. They were married in Goodland, Kan. To this union, four children were born, LaNeta Lorene, Myrna Mae and twins, Galena Faye and Gail Thomas.

LaVoine and Opal lived and raised their family in the Haigler area. In January, 2006, LaVoine and Opal moved to Hillcrest Care Center in Wray. His dear Opal died on March 22, 2006.

He worked at the Frank Tecker Ranch, near Parks and was employed by Burlington Northern Railroad for two years. He also worked and lived at the W.H. Brown farm at Sanborn. He returned to the Village of Haigler and worked for Dundy County maintained roads for the 24 years. In 1971, he was named Dundy County Roads Superintendent. He retired in 1980, at age 65. He also worked evenings at the McKay Phillips 66 Gas Station on Highway 34 in Haigler.

He was a member of the Haigler United Methodist Church for more than 50 years and was awarded a 75-year membership pin from the Royal Neighbors of America in 2005.

He loved to hunt, fish, boat and go camping. LaVoine was also a master gardener, and always knew when to plant the potatoes.

LaVoine was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Glena Collicott; his wife, Opal; his son, Gail Thomas Collicott; and his sister, Elsie Applebey.

He is survived by his three daughters, LaNeta Carlock and husband, Stanley; Myrna Mulligan and husband, Charlie; and Galena Webster and husband, Stan, all of Haigler; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one sister, DeVeta Redfield and husband, Dwaune of Palisade.

Services were Monday, April 21, at the Haigler United Methodist Church with the Rev. Terry Douglass officiating.

Memorials may be made to the LaVoine Collicott Memorial Fund. Interment was in the Haigler Cemetery.

Arrangements were by Spellman/Schmidt Funeral Home of Wray.

Miss Me-But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom filled room

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss Me a little- but not too long

And not with your head bowed low

Remember the love that we once shared

Miss Me - but let me go

For this is a journey we all must take

And each must go alone

It's all a part of the Master's plan

A step on the road to home

When you are lonely and sick of heart

Go to the friends we know

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds

Miss Me - but let me go