T J Collins, 68, of Belleville, Ill., born Feb. 20, 1941, in Money, Miss., departed this life on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010, at his residence.
Mr. Collins received his elementary and secondary education through the public school systems of Greenwood, Miss. In 1960, after graduation from high school he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant after completing thirty continuous years of faithful service to his country. After retirement he attended Southwestern Illinois College pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice.
His life's work in law enforcement continued as Boot Camp Director for the City of St. Louis and as Jail Superintendent with St. Clair County until his retirement in 2006.
As a member of the Masonic family he served as past master of P.G. Porter Lodge 142, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., past commander-in-chief of Tyree Consistory 64, and 2nd Lt. Of Orient of Illinois, Council of Deliberation State of Illinois, past potentate of Aahmes Temple 132, AEAONMS, East St. Louis, Ill., past imperial deputy of the Desert of Illinois, past honorary imperial potentate, past eminent commander, Crusaders Military Commandry 38, Knights Templar, past excellent high priest, East St. Louis Holy Royal Arch 20, East St. Louis, Ill., past thrice illustrious master, Ellis T. Moore Council 3, Royal And Select Master East St. Louis, Ill., past patron , Guiding Light Chapter 148, OES, PHA. T J Collins received her 33rd degree, class of 1989. He also served as district deputy grand master, 3rd and 4th districts.
He attended Community Protestant Service, Chapel One, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. He was an active member of the community. He was a life member of Veteran of Foreign War and post commander of Melvin Price Memorial Post 11064 in Belleville, Ill.
He was known as a loyal, giving and caring individual. He gave of his time, money and energy. His quiet dignity and grace was admired and respected by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Sallie, nee Filgrim, Collins; and his brother, Percy Collins.
Surviving are his beloved wife, Markeetia Collins, whom he married on May 4, 1968; daughter, Sonja (Michael C.) Fordson of Belleville, Ill.; son, Shan (Theresa) Collins of Belleville, Ill.; six granddaughters, Micah (Terrance Johnson) Fordson of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Iesha and Tyler Fordson of Belleville, Ill., Ashley and Jade Collins of Belleville, Ill., and Jala Howard of Belleville, Ill.; sister-in-law, Mattie Collins of Greenwood, Miss.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Our love for him is deep and everlasting. He will be greatly missed. Those who are left behind will be forever strong in the knowledge of having been blessed by the light of his presence.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and Hospice of Southern Illinois.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 22, 2010, at Hope Church, 200 Dapron Drive, Belleville, Ill., There will be a VFW walk through from 6:30 to 6:45 p.m. at the church. Per his request, there will be no Masonic Service.
Funeral: Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010, at Hope Church in Belleville, Ill., with the Rev. Daryl Rice officiating. Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.
M. E. OFFICER
FUNERAL HOME,
Belleville, Ill.
Published in Belleville News-Democrat from February 23 to February 24, 2010
