Paul Douglas Collins

Paul Douglas Collins, age 88, of Pittsfield, IL passed away Friday, June 9, 2023, at his home in Pittsfield surrounded by his family. He was born November 12, 1934, in Griggsville, IL to Levi and Lois Rumple Collins. Paul married Marjorie Zumwalt June 3, 1967, in Pittsfield, IL and she preceded him in death November 28, 2002.

Paul grew up in Griggsville and was a 1952 graduate of Griggsville High School. In his early years he was an accomplished baseball and softball player; he tried out for the St. Louis Cardinals and was within two spots of making the team! He spent many years working in the agriculture field, working for Wolfleys in Griggsville. Paul later worked at Brown Shoe Factory, then went on to work at the International Ingredient Whey Plant from where he retired. After his retirement he went back to work at Ayerco in maintenance. Paul loved to garden and would grow 60 – 100 tomato plants a year and gifted the majority of his crop to friends and neighbors. Paul was the fish frying expert at the Zumwalt family reunions. He spent years perfecting his pool game and enjoyed playing on a league earning many trophies over the years. Paul was a Little League Coach for many years and enjoyed taking his grandkids fishing and following the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Rams. His favorite players were his kids and grandkids and he spent many hours following their activities and was always a strong Saukee supporter. Paul was a kind, big-hearted and simple man who lovingly cared for his wife when she became ill. He will be deeply missed for his kindness and generosity by his family and friends.

Paul is survived by son, Michael Paul (Jill) Collins of Pittsfield, IL; daughter, Betsy (Russell ‘Rocky’) Bland of Pittsfield; daughter-in-law, Susan Collins of Pittsfield, IL; nine grandchildren, Heather (Johnny Ruble) Collins, Kim (Mike) Watkins, Whitley (Matt) Yokem, Katie (Dylan) Calhoun, Dee Vandermolen, Joni (Adam) Schlieper, Lisa (Mike) Hobbs, Braden (Sarah Hilligoss) Collins and Kinzley Collins; seventeen great-grandchildren, Hayden (Rheagan Gregory) Collins, Sophia Collins, Hunter Hobbs, Owen Hobbs, Reid Springer, Jaxen Spann, Eli Ducey, Auggie Yokem, Hubbert Yokem, Cora Vandermolen, Zach Schlieper, Zane Schlieper, Jase Hobbs, Maci Hobbs, Joel Hobbs, Bonnie Calhoun and Spencer Calhoun; three great-great-grandchildren, Paisleigh Collins, Kalannah Collins and Joseph Paul Collins; several nieces and nephews also survive; also surviving are many members of the Zumwalt family who were a special part of his life; and his beloved Yorkie, Zoey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Levi and Lois Collins; wife of 35 years, Marjorie Collins; two sons, Douglas Collins and Larry Collins; two grandchildren, Travis Wayne and Mary Elizabeth Bland; six sisters, Rosalie Chapman, Elizabeth Dockery, Agatha Gerard, Ruby Thrasher, Florine Baker and Mildred Bartlett; and brother, Richard Collins.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, June 16, 2023, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with interment to follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Pittsfield. Visitation will be held Friday, June 16, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. In honor of his love for the Cardinals, the family requests friends and family dress in Cardinal red for his service. Memorials are suggested to be made to Pike County Little League or Pike County Animal Shelter. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul Douglas Collins, please visit our floral store.