Elmo “Moe” James Collett, 73, of Ottumwa, died at 8:21 a.m. March 5, 2023 at Ottumwa Regional Health Center.
He was born July 1, 1949 in Ottumwa to Elmo Leroy and Lenora Clark Collett. Mo married Joan Lynn O’Laughlin on June 6, 1969.
A graduate of Ottumwa High School, he worked for at short time at John Morrell & Co. Moe served 2 years with the US Army, having been stationed in Germany for 18 months. He also served 8 years with the Iowa Army National Guard. He worked at Hormel, Lund International and American Bottling before retiring August 1, 2018.
He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, playing softball, purchasing lottery tickets and spending time at the casino, especially Riverside. He was a Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Cubs fan. Moe especially loved attending family gatherings, spending time with his family and especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Surviving is his wife, Joan; their children, Chris Collett and Tina Collett both of Ottumwa; 2 grandchildren, Skyler (Natachia) Collett and Shelby Collett (fiancé, Austin Prosser) 5 great-grandchildren, Emma, Cora, Hunter, Arthur and Lily; 2 sisters, Gaye Cullinan of Hedrick and Patty West of Oregon. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Colleen Cubbage.
His body has been cremated. Military honors will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 9th at Reece Funeral Home. The honors will be conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion.
The family will be present at the funeral home for visitation and to greet friends following the military honors until 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
Memorials may be made to Heartland Humane Society.
