Richard Collins

Richard Lee Collins of Scott City, son of Earl Lee and Belle Ness Collins, was born Jan. 12, 1940, in Sturgis, South Dakota, and departed his life Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, at Mercy Hospital Southeast in Cape Girardeau at the age of 84 years.

Richard Collins

He was a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, retiring in 1977 after serving three tours in the Vietnam War. Richard was a chief petty officer as a drill instructor at basic training several years.

He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Commerce and a former employee of Procter & Gamble Co. in Jackson.

Richard enjoyed his family, traveling, camping, motorcycles and playing cards. He was a life member of VFW Post No. 3838 and Eagles Lodge No. 3775, as well as the Moose Lodge in Jackson.

On Sept. 25, 1959, he was united in marriage to Jessie Pauline Hitt. She preceded him in death Aug. 9, 2014. He was then united in marriage to Betty Jo Berghoff on April 18, 2015, in Scott City. She survives of the home in Scott City.

Besides his wife, survivors include one daughter, Teri (Robbie) Slusher of Jackson; stepson, Darrin (Cindy) Berghoff of Gordonville; stepdaughter, Taryn (Tony) Sparks of Scott City; daughter-in-law, Summer Collins of Benton; three grandchildren, Todd (Priscilla) Kaufmann, Erika (Eric) Kaufmann and Jordan (Trey) Gosche; stepgrandchildren, Andrew (Shannon) Berghoff and Halie (Chase} Berghoff, Blayde Sparks, Christen (Sam) Larko, Heather (Doug) Slusher and Robyn Slusher; great-grandchildren, Adam, Alaina and Trace, with one on the way; great-stepgrandchildren, Hailey, Autumn, Colten, Hannah, Tessa, Abby and Ethan; and his furry companion, Mariah.

Besides his first wife, Pauline Collins, he was preceded in death by a son, Jeffery Collins; one infant brother; two sisters, Arlene Reitzel and Donna Snider; and one granddaughter, Amber Kaufmann.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at Amick-Burnett Funeral Home in Scott City.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at the funeral home, with Larry Dunger officiating. Interment, with full military honors, will follow in the Lightner Cemetery in Scott City.

Online condolences may be shared at www.amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.