Wednesday March 5, 2003
Gene Collins services Friday
Graveside services for Cecil Gene Collins, 71, West Plains, will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2003, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, with the Rev. Clarence Burton officiating under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home of West Plains. Military Honors Program and Veterans Honor Guard of West Plains.
Mr. Collins died 9:58 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2003, at his home. He was born Sept. 12, 1931, in Howell County, the sone of William "Bill" and Ella W. Collins.
On May 21, 1955, he was married in Howell County to Grace Peart.
Mr. Collins was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and was a retired farmer, having farmed in the West Plains area.
He enjoyed hunting, catching the Gaithers and loved talking about the Bible. Mr. Collins enjoyed joking, making people laugh and loved spending time with his family.
He was a memberof the United Freewill Baptist Church of West Plains.
Survivors include his wife, Grace Collins, of the family home; two childre, Dennis Collins, Pomona and Dianna Jones and husband, Darrell, West Plains; three grandchildren, Lane Collins and wife, Belinda, and Jeff Ward and wife, Beth, all of West Plains, and Nicki Collins, Springfield; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Eldon Collins and wife, Hazel, West Plains, and Clifford Collins, Willow Springs; two sisters, Deloris Brotherton and husband, Norman, and Rita Roper, all of West Plains; a sister-in-law Betty Jo Collins, Rogersville; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Carla "Collins" Hall; and one brother, Melvin Collins.
Memorail contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and left at the funeral home.
The body will lie in state at the funeral home from 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday.