John Collins

John Collins, 72, of Independence, MO passed away Wednesday, July 17th 2013. A visitation will be from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Sunday July 21st at Speaks Suburban Chapel; 18020 E 39th Street. Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 22nd at the chapel. Cremation will follow.
John was born August 11th 1940 near Deepwater, Missouri to Jim and Ethel (Pennington) Collins as an identical twin and one of ten children. He graduated from Deepwater High School with his sweetheart, Shirley Beard who he married in 1963. John proudly served his country in the Army Reserves. Together, Shirley and John raised three daughters. He worked for Hallmark from 1958 to 1993. He was a long time member of the Church of Christ and is described as having Christ like faith. John enjoyed fishing and most importantly being his grandchildren’s number one fan in all they did. He played Santa Clause for Farview Heights for over twenty years, supported Junior Achievement through Hallmark, and supported the Disabled American Vets as well as the Humane Society. He is loved and will be dearly missed.
John is survived by beloved wife of 50 years, Shirley Collins, of the home; daughters, Renee Stevens and husband Kenny of Buckner, MO; Regina Priest and husband Alan of Warrensburg, MO; Cheryl Moore and husband Lonny of Independence, MO; seven grandchildren; five great grandchildren; siblings, Joann Cloud and husband David of Pharr, TX; Donna McCurdy of Clinton, MO; Hazel Collins of Independence, MO; Jimmy Collins of Clinton, MO; Carl Collins and wife Dixie of Creighton, MO; Andy Collins and wife Sue of Independence, MO; Patty Collins of Clinton, MO and Phil Collins and wife Rita of Independence, MO; brother-in-law, Marvin Long and numerous nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty Long; sister-in-law, Jean Collins; brother-in-law, Bill McCurdy and great grandchild, Gabriel Stevens.