Donald McCollester, 74, of Keene passed away Thursday, September 6th, 2018 at home.
He was born in Keene, NH on December 6th, 1943, the son of Margaret (McAleese) and Edmund McCollester. Don was educated and graduated from Keene High School where he was awarded a National Merit Scholarship Commendation.
Don gained employment with Markem Corporation for one year as a CNC operator, before voluntarily entering the Army on May 28th, 1964, where he was a Track Vehicle Mechanic (tanks). While stationed in Germany he met his wife.
On August 31, 1966 he married Doris (Tessner) in Bamberg, Germany, proposing by drawing a wedding chapel and two interlocked rings on a napkin as his German and her English was non-existent. Don and Doris were happily married for 52 years.
After returning to the US, Don was re-employed by Markem Corp. He continued his education while working at Markum and graduate from Keene State College with a Bachelor of Science. After 20 years with Markem Corp. Donald opened and operated General Art and Northeast Drafting. He continued his business for 20 years before retiring.
He was a member of the Keene Masonic Temple where he was a Master Mason, a Shriner and member of The American Legion, Keene Post #4. Don was a jack-of-all-trades, loved art and music, hunting and fishing and carpentry. He crafted 2 businesses for his wife. Donald was also a former NH State Putting Champion in 1997 and went on to compete at the PGA World Putting Championship in Orlando, FL. His favorite candy was Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Besides his wife, Donald is survived by his daughter Dianna McCollester Madden and her husband Jason of Westmorland, Grand Children Hayley and Heather Madden, his son David McCollester of Keene, a brother Gordon McCollester of Rye, NH, A niece, Kathy McCollester. A nephew, Darren McCollester and Niece Leslie (McCollester) Creus. His sister, Linda (McCollester) Phillips of Oregon, Nephew, Brant Phillips, Niece Kelley Parker Fisher and Mary (McCollester) Duddy.
There will be calling hours on Friday (9/14/2018) from 6 to 8 P.M., at the Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel, 44 Maple Ave., Keene, NH. Donations in Donald’s memory may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield Mass. 01104. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03446. www.cheshirefamilyfh.com
