Robert “Bob” Charles Collins, 80, Stark, died Friday, June 25, 2010 at his home.

Bob was born April 1, 1930 the son of Oral and Dorothy Richwine Collins. He attended and graduated from Grant Township High School. He then attended Neosho County Community College for one year. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1950. He was inducted Jan. 8, 1951 and discharged October 21, 1954. He served during the Korean War on Bairoko air craft carrier with two tours of duty in the Yellow Sea from 1952-1953. He went through the H-bomb testing in 1954, in the Marshall Islands. Two weeks after being discharged from the Navy he rented a farm and later purchased the farm where his wife still resides of 44 years.

Bob was united in marriage Dec. 11, 1965 in Stark, to Elissa Ann Bruneau Collins. He was a very well known farmer around Stark and the surrounding area. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Stark, and a member of the Chanute, KS, V.F.W Post #1654, Cecil J. Meeker. He also was a member of the National Rifle Association, and a board member of the Bank of Commerce in Chanute for many years. He was an avid KU basketball fan, and loved watching and keeping up with all high school sports.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Oral and Dorothy Collins. He is survived by his wife, Elissa Collins, of the home; one daughter, Deanna Quillen, Hugoton; three sons, Ricky Bruneau, Humboldt, Rusty Bruneau, Stark, and Scott Collins, Drexel, Mo.; one sister, Oralee Beggs, Stark; 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; along with extended family and friends.

Funeral will be 10:30 am, Thursday, July 1 at the United Methodist Church, Stark, Pastor Pete Smith and Pastor Pauline Clugston officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Moriah Cemetery, where military rites will be given. Family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Stark. Memorial contributions may be given to Stark Alumni or Grant Community Club, c/o Derfelt’s Baxter Chapel, 328 E. 12th St., Baxter Springs, KS 66713.