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John Collins Obituary
John F. Collins
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio - John F. Collins, 73, passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2022, at his home in Liberty Township, OH. His family is saddened but thankful he is now at peace after a long and bravely fought battle against GIST and developing health complications.
John grew up in Chatsworth, IL, and then moved to Pontiac, IL, where he attended PTHS and then Winston Churchill Junior College. He worked at the local Eisner Food Store and later transferred to the Normal, IL, store while attending Illinois State University. It was at the Eisner Food Store that John met his future bride, Connie. They married and after several moves, found a home in Crestwicke (Bloomington, IL) where they raised their family for 24 years.
As a friend and helper to all, becoming a realtor was a natural fit. He became President of MIRA and was awarded Realtor of the Year in 2010. He was hired CEO of MIRA and managed the Association of Realtors from 2011-2015. One of the biggest rewards during his time in real estate, was the gift of friendship from other realtors, coworkers and clients.
After retiring, John enjoyed volunteering at the McLean County Museum of History. He also participated as a guide for the annual Evergreen Cemetery Walk.
A lifelong White Sox fan, John also loved to wow family and friends with his guitar playing and his vast music trivia knowledge. John's love and pride of family, along with his quirky sayings, will always be cherished and remembered.
Survivors include his wife, Connie; son, Scott of Bloomington, IL; daughter, Emily (Tony Knutson) of Liberty Township, OH; and son, Andy (Kelly) of Normal, IL; eight beloved grandchildren: Cameron, Olivia, Nile, Alec, Finn, Elin, Quinn and Kinley; sister, Mary (Joe Busch) of Lenexa, KS; and two brothers: James (Kay) of Carmel, IN, and Joe (Lisa) of Pontiac, IL; as well as many nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, A. Ward and Doris Collins; sister, Joan Ann; and nephew, Richard Busch.
For those that knew and loved John, he would likely wish to leave you with a favorite saying: "Have a great day, better tomorrow."
A memorial visitation will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Carmody Flynn Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to GIST Cancer Research Fund, 3905 NE 167th St, North Miami Beach, FL, 33160.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Collins
Sponsored by Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home.
5 Entries
Ron and Mary Beth (Abry) Keeneth
April 23, 2023
We are so sorry to read of John's passing. The last time we saw him he was playing in a baseball league and you had little ones and so did we.
Ron and Rae Geske
April 18, 2023
Connie, we were so sad to read of John's passing. We lived you both when we were at Centennial. We are now living ar The Pointe in Pontiac, IL. We won't be able to attend his service as we no longer own a car. But you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. John was a wonderful man and we know he will be missed by everyone who knew him. Love, Ron and Rae Geske
Sue Jackson Meissner
April 18, 2023
I worked with John at Eisner´s many years ago . He was such a kind man ! Great work ethics ! I´m so sorry for his Family´s loss of a great man ! RIP John
Cathy Cooper
April 17, 2023
Oh so many memories of this special man that touched our lives. We all are saddened for your loss and send our love and condolences.
Pat, Cathy, Matt and Jimmy Cooper
Dorothea Scott Kibler
April 16, 2023
I worked with John at Eisner's in Pontiac some 55+ years ago. He was such a kind, sweet, well- behaved young man. Everyone enjoyed him and appreciated his positivity and willingness to help with patrons and employees. I am sorry for your loss. I am glad I had a walk beside him, though early.
Precious person!
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