Search by Name

Search by Name

Merle Collins Obituary

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.


To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Abilene Reporter-News on Nov. 7, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Merle Collins

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

November 10, 2010

We are so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers.
Robin and Steve Knapp

Paula Kinter

November 8, 2010

Merle had many friends in the banking world and I am glad that I was able to know her through American State Bank. She was a great example of living life to the fullest no matter what age.

Paula Kinter

Jo Ann Freeman

November 8, 2010

Rod, Patricia, Steve, Terri and Stephanie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I love Merle so much. She was a great friend to Ed and Me and to Tammy. She will remain in my heart and memories forever. I will miss her so much and know that I will see her again someday when God calls me home.

Love to all,

Jo Ann Freemen

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Merle Collins's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Merle Collins

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Merle's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Merle Collins's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more