Robert Warren Collins

Robert Warren Collins, 68 of North Salem, Indiana, peacefully passed away on October 21, 2025.

This is a brief glimpse of the life of Robert Warren Collins.

He was born July 19, 1957, in Sacramento, California. He was the son of Richard William Collins and Janis Lea Grafton Collins.

He is the brother to Richard Collins (Shannon), Karen Collins, and Ron Collins (JoAnn). He adored many feline friends over his life, the last being “Muffy”.

His parents preceded him in death.

The family moved back to their roots to rural Illinois when Robert was a boy. From an early age he enjoyed wrestling with his brothers, which turned into a passion in his school years. He was very athletic and was involved in many sports. Whatever he set his mind to he was determined to do it with all that he had.

After graduating High School in Rockford, Illinois, he attended Iowa State University. He graduated with an accounting degree. He moved to Phoenix, Arizona and began working in that field. While there, he developed many lifelong friends who he continued to stay in touch with and loved.

After a time, he realized being an office worker was not fulfilling for him. He moved to Colorado where his family lived. He enjoyed a brief time selling cars in a few dealerships in Denver; acquiring more friends. He eventually landed a job working for the Colorado Department of Transportation where he retired in 2024.

In the mid 90’s the greatest event happened in Robert’s life. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized. Robert loved Jesus and was an avid reader of the Bible. He faithfully attended Faith Bible Chapel and Grace Church. Friends have spoken of Robert’s “faith”.

He spent countless hours mountain climbing with close friends and often climbing solo in the winter. His latest long-term passion was bicycling. It’s safe to say he cycled many hundred miles plus. He enjoyed God’s creation intensely.

After retirement he felt The Lord’s leading and pulled up stakes from Colorado and moved to Indiana to be near his brother, Rick. He faithfully kept in contact with his childhood friends, Colorado, and Arizona friends.

He enjoyed bicycling here in the flat lands surrounded by cornfields. In the small town he lived in, a sweet fury friend, Muffy, showed up at his door one day and they became inseparable. He often referred to his pets or any cute animal as “snuggle bumpkins”! The way he said it just made you smile.

He enjoyed listening to sermons online by Jack Hibbs/Calvary Chapel. He also attended church with his brother Rick at New Life Christian Church near his home. Pastor Fletcher kept in touch with him faithfully with encouraging words of scripture. He loved to sing the worship songs at church; lifting his arms in praise and almost dancing for Jesus. He also made new friends there who were also followers of Jesus.

He was very gracious and generous, ready to help anyone when needed. He gave away many earthly possessions in his life and was quite the minimalist. No, he wasn’t perfect, as none of us are. He had areas he had overcome by God’s grace and other areas he was working on with God’s help. We (as followers of Jesus) will not reach “perfection” until we meet Jesus face to face.

A few months after moving to Indiana he started feeling some symptoms with his health. He went to countless doctors and had dozens of blood work and tests run. No one could diagnosis his symptoms that began to develop at a very fast rate of speed. He continued relentlessly to work out at a gym and bicycle when he could physically do it. The day after resulting in almost a bedridden state.

A few weeks ago, he spent time with Jesus and begged God to reveal to him what was wrong with his body. Shortly after this he was enlightened to chronic fatigue syndrome. By the time he read the symptoms, after this long almost year journey to discover the cause, he had every single symptom. Sadly, there is no cure or treatment for this disease. It’s not even known how one acquires it. This pain and debilitation was very overwhelming and difficult for him to live with.

There is a scripture that has come to mind to close this with and that is James 2:12: “Mercy triumphs over judgement.” Robert accepted the free gift of salvation offered by Jesus Christ on that cross at Calvary. He realized that he was a sinner that had sinned against a Holy God and was in need of a Savior. He repented of his sins and every sin he ever committed or ever would commit, was taken on that cross.

Jesus rose from the dead three days after His crucifixion and is alive, sitting at The Right Hand of God. Robert Warren Collins is also alive and in the presence of God. His spirit left his body on October 21st. “Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with The Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8. He is Home.

If Robert could say anything to you who are reading this; family and friends, co-workers, he would say if you haven’t made the decision to become a follower of Jesus, do not hesitate. Do it now. Ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and invite Him to come into your life. HE is waiting for you. HE loves you so much that HE died on the cross and took your sins. “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, (Jesus) whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” Acts 10:43 NKJV.

Per Robert’s humble request of no memorial service, we will honor that request and remember him so often throughout each day knowing that he is experiencing a love like we have never known here on this earth. Seeing the splendor of Heaven and everything that it holds. Most importantly…Jesus. Until we meet again, Robert. We love you and will miss that beautiful smile!

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Pittsboro, Indiana.

All are encouraged to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of loss.