Theodore Collins
Bethalto |
Theodore Collins (Ted) 94 of Bethalto, Illinois passed away Nov 20, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family.
Ted was born November 6, 1922 in Piedmont, Mo. and was the son of John Calvin Collins and Iva Forrest (Solomon) Collins.
He attended Alton High School and graduated June, 1940, and attended Shurtleff College from 1940-1941.
He married Thelma Hohnsbehn on September 28th, 1941 and she passed away in 1992 after 50 years of sharing their lives together. After Thelma’s passing, he married Janet E. Mefford on Aug. 26, 1994. She survives in Bethalto.
Ted was employed by Western Cartridge Co. in East Alton as a stock clerk in 1942. He was drafted in the Army in 1943 and served in WW II. He served in the Pacific for 16 months and was in the battles of Southern Philippines and Ryukyus Islands. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and 2 Bronze Star Medals.
After returning home from the war in 1945, he attended Shurtleff College from 1946 – 1951 studying business management. He attended SIUE from 1961 – 1968 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.
Ted worked for Laclede Steele Co. in the St. Louis office as the Director of Purchasing. He retired in 1987.
Ted is survived by his wife Janet (Mefford) Collins, a daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Neal Nicolay of Bellingham, Washington; a son and daughter-in-law Ted and Cathy Collins of Mount Juliet, TN; and two step children, Troy Well of Springfield, Illinois and Kim Nixon (Joe) of Brighton, Illinois; 10 grandchildren and 11 great Grandchildren.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at 11:00 a.m. Wed. Nov. 23, 2016 at Paynic Funeral Home. Memorial gifts in Ted’s honor can be sent to BJC Hospice, 1 Professional Dr., Alton, IL or www.bjchospice.org.
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