William Dennis Collins

William Dennis Collins, 76, of Herrin, passed away Thursday, August 29, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Graveside services with military rites will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Herrin City Cemetery, with Rev. Ralph Brandon officiating.  Masonic rites will be at 10:30 a.m. with visitation to follow until 12:30 p.m. at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville. 

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Wright Way Rescue Animal Shelter in Murphysboro, and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Dennis was born March 14, 1948, in Herrin to Olen Carl “Squint” and Alyta Eileen (Robinson) Collins.  He married Cathy Rankin on December 19, 1968, in Energy. 

He is survived by his wife, Cathy Collins; son, Brian (Shanna) Collins; daughter, Valerie Collins; grandchildren, Shelby Hughes and Brandon Collins; brother, David (Maree) Collins; niece, Jessica Russell; several cousins and other numerous nieces and nephews; beloved cat Abby and grand-dog Murphy.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Danny.

He was a 1966 graduate of Carterville High School.

He honorably served our Country in the United States Navy as a radioman aboard the minesweeper USS Bulwark based in Charleston, South Carolina, attaining the rank of Petty Officer, Second Class.

Dennis worked for the Veterans Administration Hospital in Marion and had over thirty years of federal service. 

Dennis was a member of the Prairie Masonic Lodge #693 in Herrin for forty-eight years.  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Herrin and attended the Energy Methodist Church.  He loved reading, hunting, and was a history buff.

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