Gene Collins

Gene Newton Collins, 84, North Kansas City, Mo., passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at his home in North Kansas City. Mr. Collins was born Sept. 26, 1927, in Columbia, Mo., the son of Glenn and Lorraine (Nichols) Collins. He married Mary "Dootsie" (Hopper) Collins on May 22, 1951, in Harrisonville, Ark. Mr. Collins served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. After returning home, Gene and Mary moved from Columbia, then to the Kansas City area in 1954. Gene worked for the S & S Meat Company, Inc., for 25 years. He retired in 1985. Mr. Collins attended the Rayville Christian Union Church. The most important part of his life where his daughters and grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by two brothers, Ivan H. Collins, John A. Collins and one sister- in-law, Maxine Collins. In addition to his wife, Mary, he is survived by two daughters also known as the "dirl-dirls", Connie Solomon and husband Tom of Platte City, and Carol "Tess" Garrison and husband Eric of Kansas City; three brothers, Don G. Collins and wife Nancy of Centralia, Mo., William D. "Tick" Collins and wife Joyce of Naples, Fla., Michael Collins and wife Mindy of Ashland, Mo.; one sister, Mary L. Patton and husband Bob of Ashland, and one sister-in-law, Shirly Collins of Hallsville, Mo..; six grandchildren, Ryan Collins Ash, Julie Ash Hovorka, Gena Garrison Agron, Shea Garrison, John Garrison, and David Britt; three great- grandchildren, Kade Hovorka, Ashlyn Agron, and Grace Julane Agron and "The Britt Twins" due in June; many wonderful nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, February 4, at the McGilley Antioch Chapel. Services will start at 6 p.m. Memorial may be made to the Kendallwood Hospice or the North Kansas City Hospital Meals on Wheels. Written condolences may be left at www.polleyfuneralhome.com Arrangements through Polley Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs, Mo., (816) 630-3388.

Published in Kansas City Star on January 27, 2012