Richard Joseph Collins

Master Sergeant (Retired) Richard "Dick" Joseph Collins, 80, died peacefully in his hometown of Poplar Bluff, MO on August 1, 2017. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he retired from Bergstrom Air Force Base, TX after 22 years of honorable service.

Richard was born on December 11, 1936 in St. Louis, MO. His parents were Frederick J. Collins and Vera Watkins Collins. He graduated Poplar Bluff High School, Class of 1955. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Richard met Barbara Jean Suttner and married her on January 5, 1960. They have enjoyed 57 years of holy matrimony. After retiring from the Air Force, Richard worked for the City of Austin Electric Department, Austin TX and retired after 20 plus years. He had been enjoying his retirement in Poplar Bluff with his wife.

Some of Richard's recent activities and hobbies included; volunteering with the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and ushering; a member of the AMVETS; a regular attendee of the local BINGO club; and spoiling his dog Emma Jean with his wife.

He is survived by his wife Barbara; his daughter Diana; his son Daniel; his grandchildren Ray, Heather, Kimberly, Andrea, and Jacqueline; his great grandchildren Max, Isabella, Constantine, Genesis, Ezra, and Elena; his brother James; and his cousins Michael L. Wallis, and Betty Jackson. He is preceded in death by his infant daughter Donna.

A viewing will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 3rd at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian Burial following at 11 a.m. Interment with full military honors will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.