Warner John Collman's Obituary
Warner John Collman
John Collman, of Lake Tapps, passed away on Valentine’s Day at the age of 87. John was born in Seattle on 9/22/1928 to parents and grandparents who were early settlers to the Green Lake area. He attended Ballard High School and later enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served with the 79th Fighter Bomber Squadron in Bentwaters, England, from 1950-54, achieving the rank of sergeant.
Upon discharge, he attended business school in Tacoma and met his wife of nearly 60 years, Joan, at the Spanish Castle ballroom. The two married and settled in Puyallup. Education was important to John, and he earned his CPA while working fulltime and raising three children. He worked as an accountant for U.S. Oil & Refining in Tacoma, and Time Oil in Seattle. Above all else, John valued his family; nearly every summer weekend was spent exploring the camping trails and waterways of this state, his young kids (and later grandkids) in tow.
In later years, John enjoyed life at Lake Tapps and membership at Creator Lutheran Church, where he always maintained leadership roles. He and Joan also spent many winters in Palm Springs, playing golf, socializing, and relaxing in the sunshine.
John is survived by his wife, Joan; children Julie & Jim Anderson, Janis & Sam Suznevich, and Jim Collman & Jacquie Androsko; granddaughters Kelsey, Kristi, Sara, Kimberly and Jaymie; nephews and nieces Judy & Fred Hanenburg, Tom & Debbie Gaetz, and Yvonne Gaetz; sister-in-law LaVonne McClelland; and several great-nieces and -nephews.
The family would like to thank Rev. Heidi Calhoun, the nursing staff at Group Health radiology in Tacoma, neighbors in the Palisades community in Auburn, and all other friends and family who helped make John’s last months joyous in spite of his cancer.
Services will be held at Creator Lutheran Church, Lake Tapps, on Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Creator Lutheran Church , 16702 S Tapps Dr E, Lake Tapps, WA 98391.
Remembrances may be shared at www.mountainviewtacoma.com
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