 Joshua Collard, 29, of Madisonville passed away Monday, November 16, 2009 in Austin, Texas after fighting a long and courageous battle of congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and then rejection of his transplanted heart (which he received April 18, 2008). Josh was born in Madisonville, Texas to Eddie and Glenda (Landry) Collard on November 19, 1979. He is survived by his parents; son, Lewis Joe Collard; grandparents, Darlene Collard and Burke and Lena Lou Landry; sister, Rene’ McBride and husband, Jeff; brother, Bradley Collard; niece, Megan McBride; nephews, Jacob and Mark McBride; aunts and uncles; Gay Lynne Terrell and family, Jim and Gay Collard and family and Vic Landry; as well as a host of great aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, L.C. “Hobo” Collard; and aunt, Beth Landry.
Josh received his heart in April of last year from Chris Deaver of Oklahoma. Just recently Josh and his family were able to meet the Deaver’s and spent time with them in their home in Oklahoma. The weekend before his death, the Deaver family took Josh duck hunting for the first time and he bagged two ducks! Josh also got to try his hand at the slot machines in a casino for the first time. He stated that this was one of the happiest times he has had in years, with the birth of his son, Lewis, being the happiest of all. Josh will be missed by his family and friends. He was able to make friends with all kinds of people, from all walks of life. When camping as a child, his favorite pastime was meeting the rest of the folks in the camp, remembering each one’s name and proclaiming them to be his personal friend. He also made many friends with pre and post transplant patients, all giving each other love and support throughout their ordeals. Josh make a particular effort to go visit these folks when they suffered set backs and were in the hospital, needing reassurance. Josh was surrounded by family and friends who spent the last day of his life by his bedside, holding hands, reassuring him, and sending him into a loving place, free of pain and illness, where he was greeted by those loved ones who had gone before him. The family wishes to thank first of all, our Lord Jesus for giving them all the miracles Josh received. Also they want to thank everyone who has stood beside them throughout the last 7 years of these trying times. They ask that everyone consider being an organ donor and giving another person a chance at life. The Collard’s and Landry’s also wish to thank Dr. Mario Lammoglia and staff, College Station Medical Center and staff, the staff at Seton Medical Center, the staff at Seton Specialty Care and Transplant Program in Austin and The Deaver’s for giving him a second chance at life. A memorial celebration of Josh’s life will be held at a time to be announced. I lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to: Seton Heart Transplant Fund, in memory of Josh Collard, 1301 W. 38th, Ste. 514; Austin, TX 78705.
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With an honest approach, quality service, and affordable prices, Day Funeral Home is proud to have been a part of Madisonville and the surrounding communities since 1903. We encourage you to stop by Day Funeral Home at 514 East Main Street or call (936) 348-2621 with any questions, you may have.
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We are praying for comfort for you in this sad time. God has been a huge part of your lives for so long & we trust that you will continue to turn to him when the times become trying. There is no way to repay a friend for being there to support you in a situation like this but you were there for us & we will be here for you. Josh was such a sweet & caring person, we never saw him without a smile on his face. He was always the one to lift your spirits even when he was going through so much. We will all miss Josh and cherish the moments that we got to spend with him. We love you all.