Edward (Ted) Parmly Collins

Edward "Ted" Parmly Collins passed away peacefully on October 31, 2023. Just three days after his 70th birthday, he was surrounded by his loved ones. Ted is survived by his wonderful wife of 46 years, Anne Christian Collins, his two daughters Kristin Pate (Newt) and Katherine Gowdey (Ben) and his four grandchildren, Eddie, Mae, Kate and Louis. He is also survived by his brother Thomas "Tom" Richeson Collins and his sister Margaret "Peggy" Collins Rassieur.

Ted was proud to have been born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended Rowan Woods, St. Louis Country Day School (1972) and Southern Methodist University (1976), where he met Anne. They married at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in New York City on April 22, 1978 and returned to St. Louis to start their life together.

Ted began his career at IBM as a Marketing Representative. In 1981, he founded Datastor, a record storage company, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit. He served as President until selling the company to Iron Mountain in 1998. As a leader, Ted exemplified honesty, dedication, and genuine care for his team.

Ted was a man of many interests. He had his black belt in karate as well as a pilot, boating and motorcycle license. He was an excellent athlete and "pretty darn good" at most of the things he pursued. He enjoyed travel and had the opportunity to see the world with his family. Ted loved food and found true joy in thinking about the next meal.

All those around him would say that his greatest interest lied in others. Ted was a devoted and deeply connected husband, father and friend. He was thoughtful, kind and exuded warmth with his infectious smile. Ted was a man of great Faith and his love for Christ guided his life. Ted is resting in the arms of our savior, likely a greeter at heavens gate.