Charles Collins

Charles Dee Collins, husband, father and friend to many, passed from this life on June 16, 2014, after a short illness.

Born July 2, 1936 in Stockton, Missouri, where he met and married his high school sweetheart Joan Donna Sanford. After a stint in the Air Force, Charley and Joan returned to Missouri to make a home in the Willard area. Charley returned to school and became an instructor of geography and earth sciences at Missouri State University, and for the next three decades touched the lives and minds of many. He enjoyed teaching and found satisfaction in opening minds to the beauty and wonders of this world. Charley eased into retirement as if it was meant just for him. He loved nature and everything outdoors, especially fishing and hunting for arrowheads, but if that wasn’t on the docket he was just as content watching the songbirds at his feeders.

Charley was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence ‘Pete’ Collins and Mildred Baumgarner Collins of Stockton, Missouri, and by the love of his life, best friend and wife Joan. He is survived by his son Charles Wayne Collins and wife Christy Craven Collins of Willard; his daughter Christine Deanne Collins and husband Amir Rofougaran of Los Angeles, California; granddaughter Bailey Collins-Gordy and husband Ryan Gordy and their son Lawrence; and grandson Benjamin Collins; and by brothers Gayle and Terry Collins and sister Mary Stockstill and their families. He loved his family, admired his children and adored his grandchildren, and we all feel the same of him. He will be missed but not forgotten.

No formal services are planned.

In lieu of flowers, Charley would ask that you please make contributions to KSMU or your local public radio station.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.