John E. Collis, 91, of Knapp Avenue, Morehead, a MSU advocate, community volunteer and church leader, passed away Monday, June 9, 2014, at Ridgeway Nursing and Rehabilitation in Owingsville. Born April 3, 1923, in Pedro, Ohio, he was the son of the late Harry O, and Grace V. Hall Collis. Besides his parents, one brother, Harry O. Collis Jr. and his wife Dord, also preceded him in death. John's wife of 64 years, Dorothy 'Dot' Collis, passed away May 17, 2011. John is survived by one son, Eric 'Ric' Collis, of Louisville; one sister, Jeanne Johnston and husband Herb of Columbus, Ohio; six nieces and nephews, Chris, Jeff, Sue, Jane, Emily, and Hank; and several great nieces and nephews. An ardent supporter of Morehead State University since his arrival on campus in 1946 as a football recruit, John and Dot were dedicated to all aspects of campus life. While serving in the Navy during World War II, John met Dot, who was a Marine, and the couple married August 2, 1946. Following his graduation in 1949, John was offered the position as manager of the bookstore by the president of the university. He accepted the offer and his responsibilities expanded and diversified until his retirement in 1988. Interaction with students and helping them to succeed was one of the most important aspects of his career. Through the years, he and Dot were present at athletic, social, and academic events and supported various entities with financial donations. John was president of the MSU Alumni Association, assumed leadership roles in the MSU Quarterback Club, and in 1989 was the recipient of the Founders Day Award for University Service. In 2014, the John E. Collis Endowment Scholarship was created by others in his honor. John was actively engaged in community and church activities. Having earned the Eagle Scout Award at age 13, John was committed to various leadership positions in Boy Scouts of America for nearly fifty years, including several years as a local Scoutmaster. He was the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award, the highest recognition a Boy Scout council can bestow on an adult volunteer leader. He was a charter/founding member and past president of the Morehead Optimist Club and the Morehead Men's Club and a contributing author to The Kentucky Encyclopedia. A member of the United Methodist Church, he served in numerous capacities including church treasurer and chairman of the board. He was the first lay member of the Kentucky Conference (United Methodist Church) Board of Ordained Ministry. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, June 22, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at the Morehead United Methodist Church with the Rev. Aaron Mansfield officiating. Full military honors will be conducted at the church by Morehead American Legion Post No. 126. Visitation is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2014, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Morehead United Methodist Church, 227 W. Main Street, Morehead, KY 40351 or the John E. Collis Endowment Scholarship, MSU Foundation, Palmer Development House, Morehead, KY 40351. Visitation: Saturday, June 21, 2014, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Funeral: Sunday, June 22, 2014, at 2 p.m. Interment: Lee Cemetery