Michael Eugene Collins

Collins, Michael E., fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, suddenly on Sunday, October 29, 2017. Mike is survived by his wife, five children, four grandchildren, mother, two sisters, three brothers, numerous nieces and nephews and a giant network of devoted friends, family, buddies, partners-in-crime and various other riff raff that had the high and distinct honor of knowing this great and good man - serving alongside him, playing against him on the squash court and/or listening in rapt attention as he held forth on all things right and wrong with the world and what we should do to those incorrigible ISIS bastards. He was born on April 19th - Patriot's Day in New England and it was entirely fitting. He hailed from Shrewsbury, MA and graduated from the Universtiy of Notre Dame with a degree in mechanical engineering and a noted handle of Latin-based profanity. He was a Forward Observer in the U.S. Army in the mid 70's and served in Korea and at FT Riley Kansas in the storied Big Red One Division where he made a lifelong best friend who happened to introduce him to a young lieutenant named Sarah who happened to run the alleged best damn newspaper in the whole US Army. Details are hazy thereafter, but rumor has it they ended up getting married. Mike was, in no particular order, a scholar, a true patriot, a problem-solver, a prolific story-teller, a hyper competitive athlete, a handy-man, a math wiz, a car aficionado, a terrific jokester, a renowned Ladue Ram - St Louis Cardinal - West Point - Fighting Irish fan, and among the most generous and big-hearted men that ever lived that didn't have a saint before his name. He was and is the BEST dad, husband, brother, buddy, partner, son, Papa, teammate and confidante anyone could ever imagine. He was the founder and president of the Beacon Group, an active member of the West Point Parents Club of St. Louis, a supporter of the Navy SEAL Foundation, a parishioner at Annunziata and a legendary performer on and off the court at the Racquet Club. He is already sorely missed - but actively and fondly remembered by all who had the grand fortune of knowing him. Details of his life and deeds will now belong to legend - some truthful, some greatly exaggerated and some changed to protect the innocent. Illegitimus Non-Carborundum Pop, and they never did! Onward and Upward. We will always Love you. SERVICES: A Memorial Visitation will be held at the Church of the Annunziata, 9305 Clayton Road, Ladue, on Monday, November 6, from 10:00 am until time of Mass at 11:00 am. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to; 1) Camp Rainbow Foundation is based out of St Louis and provides free camping experiences to children undergoing treatment for, and survivors of, cancer and blood-related diseases and disorders. ​How to donate: send a tribute at www.camprainbow.com by going under the “ways to help” tab. Or mail a donation to the Camp office at; Camp Rainbow Foundation 13990 Olive Blvd Suite 201 Chesterfield, MO 63017 2) Saint Louis Military Officer Support Foundation; SLMOSF is an all-volunteer nonprofit that provides advanced training without cost to local military and law enforcement including all five of the Collins children. Michael served on the Board at one time. Donations can be made at www.buildwarriors.org 3) Navy SEAL Foundation The Navy SEAL Foundation provides immediate support to the Navy SEAL Community and Families through a comprehensive set of programs specifically designed to improve health and welfare, build and enhance resiliency, empower and educate families and provide critical support during times of illness, injury, loss and transition. Donations can be made at www.navysealfoundation.org