Steven Collins

Steven Duncan Collins, Sr. was born on August 5th, 1945 to parents Thomas Spencer Collins and Nancy Ringham Collins. Born and raised in New Orleans, Steve held many odd jobs, including working a paper route delivering the Times-Picayune and making fresh pies at Shakey's Pizza Parlor. He also developed a love for art and woodworking, whittling wooden pieces into various shapes to give family and friends.  Steve graduated from East Jefferson High School and went on to receive a B.S. in Biology from Nicholls University in 1968. Upon graduating, he joined the Navy and married his sweetheart (whom he met at Nicholls) and love of his life, Eileen Mae Smith on June 28, 1969. After serving in the military, he spent four years in dental school, graduating from LSU in 1976.  Steve and Eileen moved to Baton Rouge where they started a family and he opened a dental practice. His passion for art and woodworking translated well to the dental field, as he spent the next 40 years practicing dentistry and participating in local, state, and national dental associations. Steve and Eileen were long-time parishioners of St. Patrick Catholic Church where they made many life-long friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Susan Ash. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Eileen Smith Collins; three children, Steven Jr., Brian, and Julie Clark of Baton Rouge; 6 grandchildren, Milla, Clara, Brennan, Jude, Iris, and Connor.  He will be remembered by his patients for his gentle and affable manner and by all his friends and family for his kindness, humility, and playful sense of humor.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Louisiana chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America Inc organization or Manresa House of Retreats in Convent, Louisiana.  Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home on Thursday, January 14, 2021 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Baton Rouge.  Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.