Harvey Collins

Harvey Albert Collins, 88, died at 11:40 a.m., Sunday, September 20, 2009 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville after a period of declining health. He was born in Alton on Oct. 22, 1920, one of two children born to the late George Albert & Ethel (Johnson) Collins. He graduated from Alton Senior High School, and had been employed as a pipefitter/plumber with the State of Illinois, and retired from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.  He was a longtime member of the Pipefitters Local 553, and served with the U.S. Navy during World War II, and held the post of commander of the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492 at one point in time. He married the former Faye Stalcup on Aug. 4, 1950 in Brighton, and she passed away on Aug. 26, 1989. Together they were the parents of eight children, seven who survive along with their spouses, Sue & Don Myers of Mt. Auburn, Jane Vancil of Creve Couer, Mo., Joe & Sue Collins of Clearwater, Fl., Ed & Jeanne Collins of Edwardsville, Bill &  Barb Collins of Jerseyville, Dick & Becky Collins of Vincennes, In., and Jerry Collins of Granite City; 13 Grandchildren; Seven Great Grandchildren; and a sister, Pauline Seago of Godfrey. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a son in law, Barkley Vancil on Dec.4, 2000; and a grandson, Thomas Barkley Vancil on Dec. 28, 1999. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday.  Father William Hembrow will officiate. Burial will be in the Valhalla Memorial Park in  Godfrey with the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492 conducting military rites. Memorials may be given to the St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic Schools or to the Riverbend Humane Society both in Jerseyville.

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home