Robert E. Collins' Obituary
Mr. Robert E. Collins, age 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 26, 2012. He was born in Chicago to James and Ruth (Geary) Collins on September 28, 1918. Bob was a 1936 graduate of Muskegon High. He proudly served his country during WWII with the 1st Armored Division and saw combat in the North African and Italian campaigns. He was truly an outstanding representative of the “Greatest Generation”. On October 5, 1946, he married the former Mildred Hulka who preceded him in death on August 29, 2003. He was the manager for Anderson Meat Packing for many years and retired from Smith Packing where he had begun his career. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed family gatherings, working in his yard, boating and was a voracious reader throughout his life. SURVIVORS include his children, Jeri (Dennis) Kelley of Norton Shores and Robert W. (Debbie) Collins of New Era; grandchildren, Eric and Laura Kelley of Naples, Florida, Rob Collins of New Era, Tiffany (Rusty) Haight and great grandson, Cody Haight of Pentwater; brothers, James (Gerry) Collins of Norton Shores and Tom (Marcia) Collins of Memphis, TN; brothers-in-law John Moore and Bill (Doreen) Hulka; with many loving nephews, nieces and special friends, Phil (Betty) Bowden of Kingsley, who served with Bob during WW II and special neighbor, Marva Jacobson. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Ruth Kramer and Shirley Dorkowski. All who knew Bob could describe him in one word “Gentleman”. A celebration of Bob’s life is being planned for a later date. Contributions in memory of Bob may be made to either the Shelby Public Library or the Norton Shores Public Library.
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