Thomas Collins

For by grace you have been saved through faith and not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works, least anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, Mr. Collins was born Nov. 12, 1918, and died of complications from various illnesses on Friday, Aug. 28, 2009, at his home in Baton Rouge. Predeceased by his parents, Peter Taylor Collins and Lucy Gertrude Rodgers Collins; and brothers, L.G., James, Rex and Johnston. Survived by his spouse of 62 years, Needra Green Collins; two sons, Tom and his wife, Lynn, of Baton Rouge, and Steve and his wife, Sheila, of Slidell; grandsons, Logan and Luke, both of Baton Rouge, and their mother, Janice Harper, and Joshua, of Madison, Ala., and John, of Slidell; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. An exemplary member of the Greatest Generation, Mr. Collins was born on the day after World War I ended and worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. He volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Corps prior to Pearl Harbor and served in Great Britain, North Africa, Sicily and Italy as a crew chief for P-38 fighter aircraft. Upon retiring from the Air Force in 1964 in New Orleans, he worked at the Michoud Assembly Facility and the John C. Stennis Space Center as a safety engineer for the Boeing Corp. Global Associates and Martin Marietta Corp. in support of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's manned space flight program. Blessed with a very strong work ethic, he always enjoyed his career. Mr. Collins was a native of Wayne County, Miss., and a resident of Baton Rouge. Prior to moving to Baton Rouge in 2003, he resided in Long Beach, Miss., and Monterey. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening and was an ardent New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers fan. Respected, liked and loved he will be remembered for his wit, devotion to family and spirit of generosity. He truly will be missed. The family extends its sincere appreciation to the doctors at Ochsner Clinic for care provided. We especially thank Nurse Danielle Metsyer for her assistance and kindness during his period of illness. To his niece, Margaret Ann Robinson, for her loving care in so many ways, the family gives their heartfelt thanks. Visiting at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway, on Sunday, Aug. 30, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visiting resumes at the funeral home on Monday, Aug. 31, from 9 a.m. until service at 10 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Rodney Fisher, of Long Beach, Miss. Burial at Port Hudson National Cemetery. Please visit the online guest book at www.resthavenbr.com.

Visitation

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Sunday, August 30, 2009
4pm7pm

Service

Visitation

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Monday, August 31, 2009
9am

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Monday, August 31, 2009
10am