Richard Collins

Richard Lee Collins, son of the late Earl Lee Collins and Belle (Ness) Collins was born on January 12, 1940 in Sturgis, South Dakota and departed his life on Monday, February 5, 2024 at the Mercy/Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri at the age of 84 years.

He was a 20-year Veteran of the United States Navy retiring in 1977 serving 3 tours in the Vietnam War. Richard was a Navy, Chief Petty Officer as a drill instructor at bootcamp several years. He was a member of the St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Commerce, Missouri, former employee of Proctor and Gamble Company in Jackson, and a resident of Scott City.

Richard enjoyed his family, traveling, camping. motorcycles and playing cards. He was a life member of VFW Post 3838, Eagles Lodge 3775 as well as the Moose Lodge in Jackson.

On September 25, 1959 he was united in marriage to Jessie Pauline Hitt. Mrs. Collins preceded him in death on August 9, 2014. He was then united in marriage to Betty Jo Berghoff on April 18, 2015 in Scott City, Missouri. Mrs. Betty Collins survives of the home in Scott City.

Besides his wife, survivors include one daughter, Teri (Robbie) Slusher of Jackson, Missouri; one step-son Darrin (Cindy) Berghoff of Gordonville, Missouri; one step-daughter, Taryn (Tony} Sparks of Scott City; daughter-in-law, Summer Collins of Benton; three grandchildren, Todd (Priscilla) Kaufmann, Erika (Eric) Kaufmann, Jordan (Trey) Gosche, and step-grandchildren, Andrew (Shannon) Berghoff, Halie (Chase} Berghoff; Blayde Sparks; Christen (Sam) Larko; Heather (Doug) Slusher, and Robyn Slusher and great-grandchildren, Adam, Alaina, and Trace with one on the way; step-great grandchildren, Hailey, Autumn, Colten, Hannah, Tessa, Abby and Ethan also, by his fur companion, Mariah.

Besides his first wife, Pauline Collins he was preceded in death by one son, Jeffery Collins; one infant brother, two sisters, Arlene Reitzel and Donna Snider; and by one granddaughter, Amber Kaufmann.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 12, 2024 from 12:00 noon until 2:00pm at the Amick-Burnett Funeral Home in Scott City.

Funeral services will then be conducted at 2:00pm in the Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Scott City with Larry Dunger officiating.

Interment will follow in the Lightner Cemetery in Scott City with full military honors.