Obituary of Robert Collins

The world lost a dear man on January 10th, 2025, when Robert Clay Collins was called home. Robert (Bob) was born on February 6th, 1943, in St. Louis, MO to Julia and Ralph Collins. After graduating from Ashland HS in Ashland, KY in 1961, Bob graduated from Murray State University where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha. While at Murray State, he met Elizabeth Hall and they married in March 1965. Their 60th wedding anniversary would have been March 27, 2025. Bob and Liz moved to Bedford, IN in 1967 and raised a family as well as being active members of the community. Bob was a passionate supporter of the American Red Cross and donated blood regularly. Bob and Liz were active members of the First United Methodist church for over 50 years where they served in multiple roles. Bob loved golfing with his son Mark and regular Tuesday/Thursday buddies at Otis Park GC. In recent years he was playing some of the best golf of his life, including occasionally shooting below his age. Bob retired from Crane after working as a systems analyst for 30 years. In 2019, Bob and Liz moved to Gentry Park in Bloomington where they enjoyed attending St. Mark's United Methodist church and multiple artistic performances at IU. Bob was an amazing father that taught his children how to treat others with kindness and treat all God's children equally. His children, Jill, Mark and Kay will always miss him. Bob loved the Pacers, the Colts, the St. Louis Cardinals and following the PGA with Liz. He leaves behind his wife and children, 2 sons-in-law, Rod and Troy, 2 granddaughters, Julia and Emma, his sister Susie and her husband Bill of Lexington, KY, 3 nephews and his sister-in-law, Georgianna Temple of Louisville, KY. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Terry and his in-laws, W.T. and Mary Hall. A service for Bob will be held at St. Mark's United Methodist Church on Friday January 17th, 2025, at 11am and will be followed by a Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to White River Humane Society in Bedford, the ACLU or St. Mark's United Methodist Church to honor our Dad. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.