Gene Collins

GENE COLLINS

Marion

Gene M. Collins, 89, of Marion, previously of Cedar Rapids, died Thursday, April 10, 2014, at his residence. A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, at Hope United Church of Christ in Hiawatha, officiated by Pastors Mary Beth Hartenstein and Glenn Hunt. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids. Inurnment, with military honors, will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Memorial donations in Gene's name may be directed to Hope United Church of Christ or Meals on Wheels.

Online condolences may be submitted at www.cedar memorial.com under Obituaries.

Gene Marshall Collins was born April 6, 1925, in Battle Creek, Neb., to Edward and Evelyn (Marshall) Collins. After graduating high school, he served honorably in the United States Navy during World War II. He was married to Veva E. Schwinderman for 57 years. Together they enjoyed many years of retirement and travels.

Gene worked as a manager of the furniture department of Montgomery Ward until his retirement in 1984. He was a resident of Linn County since 2003.

Gene was a member of the Masons for over 40 years and he was proud to be a U.S. veteran. He was a member of Hope United Church of Christ.

Gene loved to spend time with his dog, Toots. Together they spent many hours watching Lawrence Welk and old Westerns, especially Gunsmoke.

He will be remembered for his love of chocolate chip cookies.

He is survived by his children, Bruce (Kathy) Collins of Omaha, Neb., Chris (John) Chapman of Ely and Gary (Cindy) Collins of Marion; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grand-children; sister, Claire (Wayne) Swayngim of Hendersonville, N.C.; two sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Veva in 2002; grandson, Cory; great-grand-daughter, Elysia; and two brothers, Richard and Keith.