Robert J. Collins

Robert (Bob) J. Collins died May 6, 2023, at the age of 96. He was born in St. Louis, MO on October 14, 1926, to Walter and Helen (Barry) Collins, Jr. Bob attended Blessed Sacrament grade school and graduated from McBride Academy Catholic School in 1944. After graduation, Bob enlisted in the Navy and served as a Seabee machinist mate 3rd class on Okinawa. Honorably discharged in 1946, Bob worked for The Medart Company before selling large policies for Blue Cross Missouri for 18 years. Bob moved his family to Dallas, TX in 1966 and joined The Blue Cross Association as a consultant. Later, Bob marketed security services in the metroplex, retiring in 1992. Bob met Gertrude Schrampf on a blind date in St. Louis and they were married on October 9, 1948. They had five children Tim, Tom (Kathy), Jack (Diana), Jerry (Kathy) and Nancy Rizzo (Mike), five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Together Bob and Gert visited all 50 states and took a tour of Western Europe. Bob thoroughly enjoyed his Honor Flight visit to DC in 2013. For many years, Bob served as an usher and Eucharistic Minister at St. Monica Catholic Church. He was an active member of Sparkman Community club enjoying square dancing, bridge, bunko, and bowling with his many friends. Bob's love for soccer led to his helping found the NDCCSA. He coached his son's and daughter's soccer teams. He was watching a soccer game in the hospital just a few days before passing. Bob is preceded in death by his wife of 73 years in 2022 and his parents Walter and Nell, brothers Bill and Barry and his son Tim. Funeral mass will be held at St. Monica Catholic Church on June 6, 2023, at 10:00 AM. Interment will be at the DFW National Cemetery in a private service for the family.