John Joseph Collins

SOUTH BEND, IN – John Collins, a beloved husband, father, grandfather (Papa), and brother, passed away peacefully on August 11th, 2025, at the age of 79, in South Bend, Indiana.

John was born on April 15th, 1946, in Schenectady, New York, to the late Maurice and Margaret (Dunn) Collins. He grew up in a large, loving household, and was the second oldest of nine surviving children. The family eventually relocated to Detroit, Michigan, and John spent every summer on his uncle's farm across the border in Ontario, Canada, from age six to 19. It was here that he developed his appreciation for agriculture, as well as his love of automobiles and shenanigans, learning to drive a tractor at age 10 and a pickup truck at 12.

John enlisted in the United States Marine Corp at age 19 and served a tour in Viet Nam before being honorably discharged at age 21, in 1967. He then enrolled at Michigan State University, earning an associate's degree as well as a bachelor's degree, and soon began his long career as an agricultural loan officer. John started at Farm Credit Services in Paw Paw, Michigan, then later with Michigan National Bank in Port Huron, East Lansing, and southern Michigan, ending his career at age 62 as a senior vice president at Bank of America.

While John enjoyed American history, target shooting, and repeated annual viewings of the television mini-series "Lonesome Dove," his greatest joy was his family. He married the love of his life, Carol Collins, on November 25th, 1977, in Gross Point Park, Michigan. Their 47 loving years together were spent raising their four sons, taking many family road trips throughout the greater Midwest, and in their retirement years, spending part of the winter months in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Devoted to his nine grandchildren, "Papa" loved nothing more than to make them laugh (the sound of a baby laughing was his favorite). A lifelong testament to his love of family was his annual attendance at the Canadian extended family reunion (he only missed it five times in 70 years, two of which were while he was in the Marine Corps).

John is survived by his loving wife, Carol Collins; his children, Rory Collins (Maura Malloy) of Indianapolis, IN, Ryan Collins of Fort Wayne, IN, Devin Collins (Megan) of Bristol, IN, and Darin Collins (Jenna) of Kingsland, GA; his grandchildren, Makenah, Asher, Ricky, Landon, Brennon, Jonah, Carolyn, Madison, and Anna Mae; his siblings, Mary Jane, Jim, Paula, Kathy, Connie, Sharon, Sheila, and Rosemary; and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Margaret Collins, his brother, David and his sister, Veronica.

A Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4508 Vistula Road, Mishawaka IN 46544, with visitation 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 15, 2025 at Palmer Funeral Homes - River Park, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, IN 46615. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in John's name to Disabled American Veterans. Palmer Funeral Home – River Park is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

John's pragmatic, "never give up" outlook on life and his sense of humor will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.