Edward O. Colliton, age 99, of Grinnell, Iowa, died April 29, 2020, at UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Medical Center, after suffering a stroke. He resided in independent living at the Mayflower Pearson Hall in Grinnell for the last 14 years. A private family graveside service and burial has been scheduled for Monday, May 4th, at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell with Rev. Ross Epping, St. Mary's Catholic Church n Grinnell, officiating. Memorial contributions may be designated to the Mayflower Human Needs Fund and mailed in c/o Smith Funeral Home, 1103 Broad Street, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. He was born August 16, 1920 in St. Paul, MN to Ora A. and Mary Theresa (Coffey) Colliton. He was a United States Army veteran of World War II serving in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany with the 413th Infantry Regiment (104th Division). For his service he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and a Bronze Star. In later years, he met with two local young men, Brandon Hanssen and John Langerud to discuss his combat experiences. He married Georgia A. Peck on July 19, 1947 in St. Paul, MN He attended St. Thomas College as an under graduate and graduated from St. Paul College of Law in 1951. He practiced law in the state of MN and moved to Springfield Illinois, in 1962 where he continued to practice law as head of the legal department for Franklin Life Insurance Company. He retired from the Law Department of Franklin Life Insurance Company in 1982. He was a charter member of Christ the King Parish in Springfield, IL and a long-time member of Christ the King Over 50 Club. When his wife became ill in 2006, they moved to the Mayflower in Grinnell, Iowa to be near their daughter. He was a member of St. Mary's Parish in Grinnell since moving here. Survivors include three daughters: Mollie (Robert) Wood of Salt Lake City, UT, Pat (John) Manion of Belleville, WI, Kathi May of Grinnell. one son, Jim (Jeannette) Colliton of Plano TX. Ten grandchildren: Robert Wood, Jr, Katie Morris, Corey Manion, Jennell Manion, Natalie Hamilton, Shannon Sampedro, Patrick May, Alex May, Helen Colliton and Bridget Colliton. Nine great grandchildren Lily, Robbie III, Lizzie, Ali Rose Wood, Alexander and Jacob Morris, all of Salt Lake City, UT, Matias and Maya Sampedro of Silver Spring, MD, Ryker Colliton May of Indianola, IA. He was preceded in death by his wife, Georgia, of almost 60 years, in December of 2006 and an infant granddaughter, Melanie May in 1984. Ed was a man who valued education and worked hard so his children could benefit from going to college. He was an honest man who believed in simple pleasures. He was an avid reader up until his death, despite his eye disease of macular degeneration. He walked twice daily and was a man of "routine". You could set your clock by the time of his walks and he barely ever faltered from that twice/day routine. He also enjoyed wearing bowties and had some colorful ones that matched his sweaters. He enjoyed life and attended many events with his daughter Kathi May in Grinnell. He was most pleased that his granddaughter Helen Colliton attended 4 years at Grinnell College. He was very good with names and could remember many people. He loved dogs and they loved him. Several of the local neighbors around Mayflower would stop and visit him with their pets when he was sitting outside. He had a special affection for his family and especially his great grandchildren. He loved the fish fry's at St. Mary's during Lent season and enjoyed sitting out in the sail garden at Mayflower during the nice weather. His children admire him for his positive attitude toward life despite his ailments of diminished eyesight and poor hearing in later years, his strong work ethic, and his faith and commitment to his family. He did not complain and was a pleasant person to be around. He enjoyed one cocktail every evening at 4:30 and was especially grateful for anyone who joined him for that. His weekly visitor Paula Rudolph was always his Tuesday evening cocktail guest and he looked forward to her visits and stories every week. His favorite prayer many times a day was "Thank you God for all the mercies and blessings bestowed upon me and my family". He will be missed!