Gene R. Collins

Gene R. Collins Gene R. Collins, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF, Retired, age 72, born Jan. 29, 1938, the 13th of 14 children, in Grundy, Va., to John Burton Collins and Cora Mae (Collins) Hart, passed away Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, at his home in O'Fallon, Ill. Chief Master Sgt. Collins' long and distinguished military career began when he enlisted in the Army in 1955. He then transferred to the Air Force in 1958 and worked in ccmmunications as an electronics program manager and operations supervisor. Among his many decorations, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Vietnam Service Medal. Upon his Air Force retirement in 1981, he transitioned into work as a civil servant in a similar job capacity. His most cherished work began about seven years ago when he assumed the volunteer leadership and managerial position at Scott Air Force Base's Airman's Attic. It was here that his devotion to selfless sacrifice became most evident. Chief Master Sgt. Collins was recently honored in a ceremony at Scott AFB, as the Airman's Attic was renamed in his honor, recognizing his efforts. Chief Master Sgt. Collins led by example, with integrity and moral character. His love of God, family and country has been the cornerstone of his life. Throughout his military career, he attended colleges at various installations, ultimately receiving his MBA from Pepperdine University in 1977. Chief Master Sgt. Collins was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of O'Fallon. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Tammy, in infancy; and 10 brothers and sisters. Chief Master Sgt. Collins is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Dorothy M. Snyder Collins, of O'Fallon; his daughters, Jeannie G. VanderKruik of Belleville, Ill., and Terry L. (Gary) Weidemann of Rolla, Mo.; and his two grandchildren, Gary Weidemann Jr. and Stacey Weidemann. He is also survived by his brothers, Johnny Collins and George "Buster" Collins; his sister, Sue "Suda" Stiltner; and his sister-in-law, Mary Rouse. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to The Chief MasterSgt. Gene R. Collins, USAF, (retired), Airman's Attic (checks payable to Friends of Military Families- Airman's Attic), 375 FSS/FSFR, 404 W. Martin St., Scott AFB, IL 62225-5000; or BJC Hospice, No. 1 Professional Drive, Suite 180, Alton, IL 62002; or to First Baptist Church of O'Fallon, 1111 E. Highway 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269. Visitation: friends may call from 9 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 15, 2010, at First Baptist Church of O'Fallon, 1111 East US Highway 50. Funeral: a celebration of life memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 15, 2010, at the church, with Rev. Dr. Doug Munton and Associate Pastor Skip Leininger officiating. Burial of cremated remains, with full military honors, will follow at 1 p.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO. Information courtesy of Weaver Funeral Home.