David Collins
Godfrey |
David Earl Collins, 87, of Godfrey, IL passed away peacefully on September 29, 2021, at the Veterans Home in Quincy, Illinois where he had been a resident since February 2019.
Dave was born in Los Angeles, CA on August 25, 1934, to Forrest and Virginia Collins, who preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Mary Collins; sons Greg Collins of Panarama City, CA and Shawn Collins of Pismo Beach, CA; daughter Susan, (Todd)Johnson of Culver City, CA; step-daughter Sarah Meyer of Alton, IL; step-son Samuel (Jennyfer) Kauth of Neenah, WI; and step-daughter Jenny Wells of McFarland, WI. In addition, he leaves behind grandchildren, Megan Meyer and fiancé Kyle Collis, Cambridge, IL, Zach (Nikki) Meyer, St. Louis, MO, Alexandra Collins, Nipomo, CA, Evan Meyer, Godfrey, IL, Wyatt Wells, McFarland, WI, Simon Johnson, Irvine, CA, Ashley Wells, Madison, WI and Brendan, Adelaide and Sadie Kauth, Neenah, WI. He is also survived by his older sister Zelma Grabb of Hampton, VA, and five nephews and two nieces.
Dave was a veteran of the US Navy and served during the Korean War from 1951-55. Upon returning from the war he became a flooring contractor. In 1985 he married Mary and they moved to Arroyo Grande, CA where he owned and operated a custom hardwood flooring store until he retired in 1999 and they moved to Godfrey, IL. Dave was part of the Fat Boys of Illinois car club which he dearly loved. He claimed to be the “oldest living Ram’s fan” since he attended the first Ram football game in Los Angeles in 1946 and rarely missed seeing a game. Dave was very proud of maintaining 40 years of sobriety through the Alcoholics Anonymous program.
At his request, there will be no service or memorial and his ashes will be released at Avila Bay, CA at a future time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a Veterans charity of your choice.
