Merle Collins

Merle Francis Collins
Abilene

Merle Francis Collins, 84, passed away Friday, November 5, 2010, at a local medical center.
The family will receive friends at a visitation 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 8, 2010, at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory. A graveside service will be 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 9, 2010, in Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 11, 2010, at Southwest Park Baptist Church in Abilene, Texas with Reverend Mike Woodard officiating, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
Merle Francis Collins was born March 3, 1926 to James W. Thompson and Bertie (Cochran) Thompson in Cherokee, Alabama. She married Hobson Collins in 1943. Her husband joined the Air Force after the attack on Pearl Harbor. During her husband's military career, they were stationed in England for three years. In 1961, Merle and Hobson moved to Abilene to be stationed at Dyess Air Force Base. She was employed by American State Bank as a banker until her retirement. Merle was involved in many organizations, including the Kiwanis Club, a West Texas Fair volunteer, the March of Dimes, the American Heart Association, the West Texas Rehabilitation Center Telethon, the National Cancer Association, and any Walk-A-Thons. She was extremely involved with her church, Southwest Park Baptist. Merle was the treasurer of her Sunday School Class. If the church doors were open, she was there.
Merle was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three brothers; and one sister.
Survivors include two sons, Rodney A. Collins and wife, Patricia, of Dallas, Texas and Stephen D. Collins and wife, Terri, of Abilene, Texas; and a granddaughter, Stephanie Collins.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Southwest Park Baptist Church, 2901 South 20th Street, Abilene, Texas 79605.
You may view and sign the guestbook at www.elliotthamilfuneralhome.com.