Biographical Sketch: http://www.legacy.com/WASHINGTONTIMES/DeathNotices.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=113231349

Collier, John Thornton On Friday, April 25, 2008 John Thornton Collier of Arlington, VA. Beloved husband of the late Blanche Hellickson Collier and Jodell Mallory Collier. Devoted father of Louis Collier and predeceased by his daughter Eleanor McWaters. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren. Services will be held on July 23, 2008 at 1:00 PM in the Ft. Myer Old Post Chapel followed by interment in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 4301 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA 22203 or Capital Hospice, 6565 Arlington Blvd. - Suite 500 Falls Church, VA 22042. Arlington Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Biographical sketch: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/12/AR2008051202745_3.html
John T. CollierPublic Affairs Officer

John T. Collier, 97, a public affairs officer who worked for the old Department of Health, Education and Welfare from 1950 to 1972, died April 25 at his home in Arlington County. He had congestive heart failure.

In the 1960s, Mr. Collier was assigned to the U.S. Public Health Service and was planning director for injury control. He retired from HEW as special projects director and became a public relations consultant.

John Thornton Collier was a Memphis native. He served in the Army from 1936 to 1950 and retired from the Reserve in 1970 at the rank of colonel.

He received the Silver Star during World War II for his actions during an amphibious tank landing near Dulag, on Leyte Island in the Philippines, on Oct. 20, 1944.

According to the citation, poor visibility was hampering the mission when then-Maj. Collier exposed himself to heavy enemy fire to direct his tank company through the village in advance of supporting infantry. His other military decorations included the Bronze Star Medal.

As a civilian, he was a recipient of honors from HEW and the National Safety Council, where he was a former vice president.

He was a 1956 graduate of American University and a graduate of the Army's Command and General Staff College.

His wives died before him, Blanche Hellickson Collier in 1983 and Jodell Mallory Collier in 2003. A daughter from his first marriage, Eleanor McWaters, died in 2004.

Survivors include a son from his first marriage, Louis Collier of Yountville, Calif.; and seven grandchildren.