Michael Thomas Dollins

Michael Thomas Dollins, 75, of Du Quoin, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, on October 6, 2023, in Mt. Vernon.
Michael was born on July 12, 1948, in East St. louis, to Gerel and Opal (Silkwood) Dollins. He was united in marriage to Sandra Fay Rowland on January 17, 1970, in Zeigler. They shared 53 years of marriage together.
Michael served his country honorably in the United States Army. He was retired having been a switchman operator for Union Pacific Railroads for 41 years.
Michael was of the Christian faith and a member of the Church of Christ in Minor-Creek Nation Blacktop.
Michael was active in his communities and served as president of Du Quoin Lake Association for 6 years. He loved the game of baseball and coached Khoury League in Dupo, IL and was proud of the fact that most of the boys he coached went on to win the 1996 State Championship game.
Michael enjoyed singing and playing his guitar. He enjoyed spending his time outdoors fishing and gardening. He also enjoyed playing cards. Michael was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Michael is survived by his wife, Sandra Dollins of Du Quoin; two children, Michelle (Thomas) Hollis of St. Louis, MO and Nathan (Jaime) Dollins of Salem; grandchildren, Paige Ellis of Salem, Jacob Powless of Salem, and Anna (George) Palmer of Libertyville, IL; great-grandchildren, Isaac Powless, John and Elaine Palmer; siblings, Betty (Dave) Freeman of Zeigler, Ted (Deidra) Dollins of Zeigler, Gary (Kathy) Dollins of Zeigler, Joyce McPheron of Zeigler, Linda Dollins of Herrin; step mother-in-law, Linda Rowland; two brothers-in-law, Jack Rowland of Zeigler and Donnie (Debbie) Rowland of Rolla, MO; step sisters-in-law, Lynn (Jim) Muse Stocks, Susan (Scott) Muse Rash, and Jackie Davis. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael Thomas Dollins, Jr.; brothers, Bob, Bill, Joe, and Gene Dollins; sister, Verna Mae Jarvis; infant sister, Geraldine Dollins; father-in-law, Bill Rowland; mother-in-law, Roma (Hayes) Rowland.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at Vantrease-Pyle Funeral Home in Zeigler with Pastor Don Wright and his brother, Ted Dollins officiating. Interment will follow at Zeigler Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Zeigler and Orient American Legion and members of the Illinois National Guard Funeral Honors Detail Team.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home the day of the service.
Vantrease-Pyle Funeral Home in Zeigler is entrusted with the arrangements.