Our History
The Collier Funeral Home was established in 1948 by George M. Collier and his wife, Bernice. George had owned and operated a funeral home in Independence, Missouri for several years before coming to Louisiana. He purchased the Frank C. Haley Funeral Home which was located in downtown Louisiana. In 1962 he was joined by his son in-law, Allen R. Smith. As the business continued to grow the need for a larger facility became evident. In 1967 a new facility was built on the west side of Louisiana. Mr. Collier retired in 1990 at which time his son in-law purchased the business. The Funeral Home was then directed by Allen R. Smith with the capable assistance of Mark Capstick who joined the firm as a funeral director in 1996. When owner and president, Al Smith, decided to retire in 2018, the funeral home was purchased by Ryan V. Bibb. As the new owner and president, Mr. Bibb kept the same name to the funeral home as well as the same service that has always been provided through the years. We have always endeavored to treat our families with the utmost care, compassion and respect. Those we serve come to us in the time of their greatest need, and we always try to live up to the trust placed in us.
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Ryan Bibb, President / Funeral Director / Embalmer
Ryan Bibb grew up in Bowling Green and is a 1998 graduate of Bowling Green High School and graduated in 2000 from Forest Park College with a degree in Mortuary Science. He is a licensed embalmer and funeral director. Having worked for Al Smith on occasions when needed, purchasing Collier Funeral Homes, Inc. in January of 2018 was a perfect fit for both Ryan and Al, as well as the communities served by the firm. Ryan is active in serving his community through local civic groups and through his local church. He is a member and past president of the Bowling Green Lions Club. Ryan is active in the St. Clement Catholic Church where he attends, singing in the Christmas choir and having served previously on the parish and school boards. Ryan is a 3rd degree member of the St. Clement Knights of Columbus. Ryan currently sits on the board for the Learning Center, as well as the Bowling Green High School Alumni Association where he has been a past president. Ryan is married to his wife Stacey (Collins), a graduate from Louisiana High Schools Class of 1996 and together they reside in Bowling Green. They have four children: Philip, Jack, Conor and Jorie.
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Mark Capstick, Funeral Director
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Al Smith, Funeral Director / Embalmer / Retired
