We remember Bob Collins, December 10, 1927 - November 30, 2025 (97 years old)



Bob grew up on the west end of New Albany during the Great Depression. He would go down to the railroad track in search of coal that may have fallen off a passing train. The coal would be hauled back home to help heat the house.

Bob was nine years old in January of 1937 when the Ohio River flooded. The entire west side of Louisville was flooded, and the people were displaced for at least a month before the water receded into the banks of the river. Three days before Bob’s 14th birthday, Pearl Harbor was bombed. Uncle Sam began recruiting for the military, and Bob watched his older brothers volunteer to fight in World War II.

After graduating from New Albany High School, Bob served his country in the U.S. Army in the post-war occupation of Europe. After an honorable discharge, Bob married Helen, and they had three children: Lynn, Diane, and Larry. Larry died as a young child, and Bob went into deep grief. He quit going to church, and his marriage ended. A friend at Wesley Chapel encouraged him to return to church and to God. Bob came back and was the Sunday School Superintendent of Wesley Chapel for over 20 years. His granddaughter, Ashley, quoted the advice her grandfather gave: “You only have one life and one body. You'd better treat it well.” 

Bob died on November 30, 2025, at the age of 97. We remember Bob Collins.

Prayer: Come Holy Spirit, comfort those who mourn. Give us gratitude for the saints that have come before us and help us to become more like Jesus. Amen.