Leonard Percy Collier, 1929 – 2025

CONTINENTAL – Leonard Percy Collier passed away Friday January 24, 2025. He was born on July 6, 1929 to Harry L. and Martha (Kendall) Collier in Hazel Park, Michigan. He was a 1947 graduate of Continental High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division and became a paratrooper. In April 1954, he married Mary Homier and together they raised five children; Jeanne Tegenkamp of Continental, Barbara Jo (Roger) Niese of Glandorf, Jackie (Bob) Ellerbrock, Ginger (Phil) Williams, and John (Stevie) Collier, all of Continental. In 1986, he married Doris Jean Mealer. She proceeded him in death on March 2, 2007.

   In 1956, he started the ever-popular “Len Collier Band”, and over the years he played for over 1,300 weddings and 600 anniversaries. He could also be found playing at many other clubs and organizations. Up until a few weeks ago, he could still be heard playing music at The Moose Lodge in Defiance. In 1958, he bought the Sinclair Gas Station in Continental. In September 1959, he built the Sohio Gas Station in Continental, which still operates as Stan’s Wash and Fill. In 1969, he started Len’s Carry-Out. Later that year, he started The Lumberyard Dance Hall, which then became a well-known and popular place for dancing. He was a school bus driver for Continental Local Schools for 14 years while working at Big Red Tile Co. He drove truck for Baughman Tile Co., from where he retired in 2013 after 37 years.

   In addition to his five children, he is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, two brothers Ed Heidenescher of Omaha, NE and Bill Heidenescher of Dayton, Ohio, and a sister Thelma Randolph of Mentor, Ohio. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, sisters Lorraine Niese of Van Wert, Ohio, Juanita Collier of Continental, and Ruth Bidlack of East Aurora, NY, his brother Leroy Heidenescher of Monroe, NC, son-in-law Frank Tegenkamp and grandson Marcus Ellerbrock of Continental.

   Percy was well-known for his quick wit, humor, and easy-going personality. He had a passion for music, loved people, and enjoyed restoring old military jeeps. Most of all, he loved and was proud of his children and grandchildren.

  He comes from a family that has proudly served our country, and he would like them to know how proud he was of them and every veteran.

  Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday January 29, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Continental with Fr. Phil Smith officiating. Burial will follow Cascade cemetery with military rites by Continental American Legion. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Continental and again from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Wednesday.

  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made the Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences may be expressed at www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com