Gerald Collins

Gerald Garland "Butch" Collins" was born to Maryann Collins and Jimmy Walker on January 20, 1951. He went home to be with the Lord on December 1, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Gerald attended Auburn High School. He was employed by Sundstrand /Collins Aerospace for 25 years. He had previously worked for OIC as an adult Director helping others train and gain employment. He worked for W.F.& John Barnes in their nuclear Division, Ingersoll Milling Co., Greenlee Tool and at the Toyota Plant near Chicago. While working Gerald continued his education, he earned his bachelor's degree and received his master's degree in June of 2010.Gerald was baptized at an early age and continued to trust and love God. He served as a deacon at Ebenezer Baptist Church and True Vine Baptist Church for a number of years, up until a few months before he passed. Gerald married his loving wife Bettie Jo Collins on April 28, 1976.She passed away in 2016. He later married Deborah Steward January 20, 2019, on his birthday.Gerald loved playing sports growing up and always worked to have a competitive edge.When he was in high school he was on the track team and even traveled down state for competitions. During his work career he also participated in several bowling leagues and basketball teams. In his spare time he also enjoyed playing darts and pool.

Gerald leaves to cherish his memory his wife Deborah Collins, brother, James Jaynell (Patricia) Collins,

sisters-Debra CoCo Collins(Joseph Stevenson, Jr.), Della (Jeff Cosey) Weatherall Nichols, oldest living niece, Maria aka Cookie Walker-King, oldest living nephew, Curtis (Lorrie) Bayette, only god daughter, Rachael, Mooki Ross. In his marriage to Deborah he gained a son, Clyde Steward and 4 grandchildren and a great grand daughter. He is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters in laws, great nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends. Gerald is predeceased by his grandparents, Jim and Eva Collins, parents, Maryann (Collins) Leavy and Jimmy Walker, sisters, Armeil Ritzie aka Boots Walker and Victoria Collins, aunt-June DeBato and uncle-Jerry Collins.

Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, December 10, 2021 at Sunset Funeral Home 8800 N. Alpine Rd. Machesney Park, IL. A visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until the time of service. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens. 61115