Thomas Collins Jr., 78, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away, Wednesday August 2, 2017, at the North Kansas City Hospital. Tom was born October 10, 1938, to Thomas and Marie (Stewart) Collins, in Trenton, Missouri. At the age of 4, he moved with his parents to Kansas City, where he finished school, and joined the Navy. He met Elizabeth Alderman during bootcamp, and on January 3,1958 the couple married. After Tom left the Navy he worked for the Burlington Railroad for a number of years, and also drove a truck. He eventually bought his own truck and started driving for himself. He loved racing cars and motorcycles with his sons. Tom was a huge KC Chiefs fan, especially during the Len Dawson era. After retiring he traveled with his wife on their motorcycle, through the mountains of Colorado and north. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family. To Tom family was very important.
He is preceded in death by both parents, five sisters; Rosie Haynes, Betty Lou Davidson, Juanita Steele, Faye Wellesley, and Leta Wilson, and his Uncle Okie.
Tom is survived by his wife of 59 years, a sister, Shirley “Jeanne” Killian, of Sugar Creek, MO, his children; Bob (Judy) Collins, of Smithville, MO, Tom (Tracy) Collins, of Excelsior Springs, MO, Johnnie Collins of Liberty, MO, Mike (Christi) Collins, of Kansas City, MO, Melissa “Dodie” (Rob) Lathrop, of Columbus, NE, also surviving are 13 grandchildren, 7¾ great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Monday, August 7, 2017 at 10:00 AM with Funeral Services immediately following at 11:00 AM at Terrace Park Funeral Home; 801 NW 108th St. (169 Hwy & Shoal Creek) Kansas City, MO. Burial to follow in Terrace Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family requests that memorial contributions go to the Alzheimer’s Foundation. Share online condolences at TerraceParkFuneral.com.
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