Ronald J. “Ron” Collins

Ronald J. Collins

6/12/62 – 11/7/25

Son. Husband. Father. Papa. Brother. Uncle. Nephew. Cousin. Professor. Mentor. Director. Volunteer. Advisor. Friend. Student. Eagle Scout. ALWAYS an Eagle Scout.

Ron did the very best he could, in every situation, according to his internal compass. He touched many lives and sincerely believed it was his moral responsibility to help improve the quality of people’s lives through his actions or words.  

Calling to mind a 6’2”, former football player taking a prat fall when his 5-year-old son “knocked” him to the ground on a school field trip, amid shrieks of laughter from classmates, elevating the kid’s street cred. Summoning memories of a noodle-necklace wearing dad as he lectured on the principles of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as it relates to Management Theory. Thinking of all those evenings spent helping to teach boys how to become young men through Scouting. Remembering service projects a college professor assigned to his students that helped community members; one in particular that involved raising awareness to help gather information to bring peace and justice to two grieving families whose young daughters were abducted and found deceased. Recollecting an advisor’s coordination of annual workshops designed to strengthen skills of those students preparing to launch their careers and find their own place to make a difference in the world.  Recalling numerous, lengthy phone calls with loved ones where experiences were shared and advice was offered.

Ron was also a prankster, and I was informed of an incident involving fish and a hall director’s air conditioning unit at Truman State University (then Northeast Missouri State University) … I have no doubt that students and staff alike at the Truman State University Library continue to find hand-stamped, “Mr. T” notes amid the stacks, shelves and out of the way nooks in that facility. He loved a good joke.

Ron is survived by his beloved mother, Gladys (née Taylor) Collins, a constant beacon of love and support, his much-loved and appreciated wife of 37 years, Jeanne (née Kaminski) Collins, cherished sons Zachary (Megan) Collins and Benjamin Collins, adored grandchildren,  Cooper, Oswin, Mila, Ryland and Baylor, esteemed sisters April Collins, Yvette (née Collins) O’Dell and Jessica (née Collins) (Mash) Kamuru, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, special friends Kevin and Lisa (née Collins) Blechle, and other revered family members.  

Preceded in death by his father, Jesse Collins, Jr., aunt, Jessie Fern James, uncle, CD James, infant sister, Aimee and infant brother, Erin.

Ron did not like “good-bye,” and preferred, “see you later.”  He valiantly fought long and hard to remain with his family. His spirit was strong, but his body weakened after each medical event. He has earned his right to rest in peace.

Special thanks to the staff at Finley Hospital in Dubuque who were especially kind and compassionate in Ron’s final days, (shout out to Dr. Alexander Chung who always respectfully referred to Ron as “Professor.” It was an appreciated gesture.), the team at Fresenius Kidney Care Dialysis Center in Dodgeville, WI, who warmly welcomed Ron into their community, and Dr. John Whalen and his team at Tri-State Dialysis.

Services to be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11am, St. John CME Church, 1625 E. Main St., Richmond, MO 64085. Richmond is Ron’s hometown.  

In lieu of flowers, donations for the benefit of Ron’s grandchildren would be gratefully accepted.  You may send checks to Dupaco, PO Box 179, Dubuque, IA 52004-0179 for the “Collins Kids” account. If you would like to conduct an electronic transfer, please send an e-mail to:  ben.taylor.collins@gmail.com for account specifics. Thank you for your consideration.

With love, see you later, Ron.

Online condolences for Ron’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com