Edward T. Collins

COLLINS, EDWARD Retired Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Edward T. Collins, age 81, of Woodway died Tuesday, January 21, 2003 at a local hospital. Services will be held at 11:30am Friday, January 24 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room, 6101 Bosque Blvd. with Rev. David Leibham officiating. Immediately following the service there will be a reception at St. Louis Catholic Church Grace Hall. Visitation with the family will be from 10-11:30am Friday at the funeral home. Mr. Collins was born in Clare, Iowa on November 28, 1921 to Lucy and John Collins. He was basically a farm boy, who joined the Air Force to serve in WWII. He proudly served 22 years, finishing as chief master sergeant. Respected and loved by many, his friends knew him as a man of few words and of strong character. A man of simple pleasures and needs, he unselfishly focused his time and energy loving and caring for his family. His family was his life. He married Pauline Rose Gatzke in 1943 sharing 58 years together. She preceded him in death on October 22, 2001. Their love was never ending. Survivors include daughter, Shay Teresa Gebhardt of San Antonio; sons, Thomas Edward Collins of Garland and John J. Collins of Taiwan; granddaughter, Ashley Ann Gebhardt of San Antonio; sisters, Teresa Sexton of Manson, Iowa and Peggy Fitzgerald of Panama City, Florida and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to favorite charity. WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY