Col. Robert Hugh Collins, USAF

Lt. Colonel Robert Hugh Collins was born August 26, 1921 in Forest Grove, Oregon, the oldest of three children born to Jefferson Fitzhugh Collins and Esther May (Martin) Collins. A career member of the United States Air Force, he joined the Army Air Corps on August 26, 1942, his twenty-first birthday. His career was spent as a navigator in various bombers, including the B-24, the B-17, and the B-52. A veteran of World War II and Korea, he was stationed in many areas throughout the world. On D-Day he was stationed in Eye, England from where he flew bombing missions over Germany. A decorated veteran, he was a member of the Strategic Air Command and retired from his last station, Glasgow A.F.B., Montanta, in 1965. Though retired from military service, he continued to work tirelessly for many years to support his family, to whom he was a devoted husband and father. Robert Collins was an honorable man, putting honor, integrity, honesty, hard work and compassion for others above all other values. He was a passionate trumpet player and over his lifetime played in numerous bands and orchestras. He was also an avid fan of motorcycles, frequently riding his Honda Goldwing to surrounding states and to visit his children and grandchildren. Mr. Collins was a widower, his lifetime partner, Torrance "Toni" (Bartley) Collins having preceded him in death on May 7, 1988. He is survived by three children: Daughters, Colette Collins Outhier, Cochelle Collins-Teague, and son, Torrance Collins. He also leaves three grandchildren: Corinne Miller, Tonya Collins, and Shana Collins. His family mourns the loss of their marvelous father, grandfather, and role model. He was the person we will all continue to try to be