Jack Collins

OLIVE BRANCH, Ill. -- Jack Collins, 79, of Olive Branch passed away at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003, at his home.

He was born July 21, 1923, in Alexander County, Ill., son of William "W.I." and Gertrude Greenley Collins. He and Colleen Fisher were married May 16, 1946.

Jack was a retired farmer and worked for Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Cairo many years.

He accepted Jesus as his savior recently.

Jack was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army, Company B, 101st Infantry Regiment, 26th Infantry Division.

He is survived by his wife, Colleen; a son, Larry Alan Collins and wife Nigel; a granddaughter, Jackalyn Monique Collins; a brother, William G. Collins; a sister, Mary Jo McKee; nieces, nephews, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Scott Alan Collins; two sisters, Pauline Harp and Irene DePriest; and close friend, Matt Beanford.

Graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thebes, Ill. The Rev. Verlee Eaker and the Rev. Jerry Herring will officiate. Full military rites will be conducted by Pulaski VFW Post 8891. Friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, Ill., is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Olive Branch United Methodist Church, to be used for new children's classroom. Envelopes will be at the cemetery and may be sent to Crain Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Tamms, Ill., 62988.