June 9, 1980
Ralph M. Collins funeral held
Funeral services for Ralph Monroe Collins, 54, Cahokia, Ill., were held at 1 pm Sunday in the Rose Chapel, Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, with the Rev. David Hicks officiating.
Mr. Collins died at 10:15 am June 5 as a result of an accident at the Dr. Pepper Bottling Plant in St. Louis where he was employed. He was born Oct. 29, 1925, at Walnut Ridge, Ark., the son of the late Archie and Eva Clark Collins.
He was married June 19, 1950, at Mannheim, Germany, to Helga Vosswinkel. He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, retiring in 1967 from the United States Army after more than 20 years active duty. He was of the protestant faith.
Survivors include his wife, Helga Collins of the family home; three children, Ralph Collins, Jr. and dean Collins both of Joplin; Monica Collins, Cahokia, Ill.; four brothers and sisters, Floyd Collins, West Plains; Bob Collins, Crestwood; Mrs. Noel (Pauline) Roberts, Caulfield; Mrs. Perry (Geraldine) Lindsey, Winona; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his parents and a brother.
Pallbearers were: Jerry Farris, Dennis Farris, Bill Farris, John Collins, Bob Collins Jr. and Jim Collins.
Persons attending from out of the area included Mrs. Mandy Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Hearl Clark, Thayer; Don Clark, Bob Clark, J. D. Clark, Kansas City; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Farris, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Farris, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Farris, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Collins Jr., Jim Collins, Barry Hargis, Charles Lloyd, Mrs. Edna Hensley, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Warden, all of St. Louis; Mr. and Mrs. John Collins, St. James; Mr. and Mrs. Willard Harring, Maplewood; John Murray, Milwaukee, Wis.; Mr. and Mrs. John Lawson, Springfield; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Tyler, Joplin; Mrs. Helga Collins, Monica Collins, Cahokia, Ill.; Ralph Collins Jr., Dean Collins, Joplin; Bob Collins, Crestwood; Mr. and Mrs. Noel Roberts, Caulfield; and Mr. and Mrs.. Perry Lindsey, Winona.
Burial was in Howell Valley Cemetery under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home of West Plains.