Richard attended Flatrock School up to the eighth grade. After school he worked until he was old enough to join the United States Army. While in the army, he completed his GED and became a tank driver. After leaving the military, he worked in logging until he moved to Houston, Texas, where he worked for Harris Company Flood Control as the superintendent. After moving back to Missouri, he worked at his family’s sawmill, Collins Brothers Sawmill. On February 27, 1963, he married Elva Louise Beasley in Willow Springs. In his free time, he enjoyed sleeping, aggravating his nieces and nephews, working on crosswords and word searches, taking care of his yard, and watching Gunsmoke. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Deloris; his beloved wife, Elva; his step dad, Russell Davis; his daughter, Donna and husband, David Glassburn; his sister, Opal and husband, Don Brixey; his sister, Dorothy and husband, Ocie Bunch; his brother, Herschell; his sister, Wilma and husband, Herman Hicks; his brother, Donald and wife, Juanita Collins; his brother in law, Gene Beasley; his brother in law and sister in law, Berchell and Gloria Beasley; his nephew, Leroy Brixey; his nephew, Danny Collins; great nephew, Jason Bunch; and his great nephew, Brian Collins.
Richard is survived by his daughter, Jeannie Collins; his brother, Larry Collins; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is pending at this time. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. Online condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com.
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