G. Fred Collins

G. Fred Collins, 80, of Van Wert, passed away peacefully at 8:45 p.m. Monday, September 5, 2016, surrounded by his loving family at the end of his earthly journey.

He was born January 5, 1936, in Jackson Township, Van Wert County, the son of Edwin and Florence (Snyder) Collins, who both preceded him in death. On June 20, 1954, he married Wileta (Girod) Collins, who survives at the residence.

Other survivors include five children, Teresa (Roger) Rhodes of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Leta (Ed) Feasby of Convoy, and Michael (fiancée Lourie Bergman) Collins, Bill (Leslie) Collins, and Shawne (Susan Fisher) Collins, all of Van Wert; two brothers, Ralph (Mauvette) Collins of Van Wert and Don (Vivian) Collins of Grover Hill; a sister, Ruth (Richard) Vermillion of Cridersville; 11 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

A brother, Floyd Collins, also preceded him in death.

Fred was a lifelong farmer and a 1954 graduate of Hoaglin-Jackson High School. He attended Wesley United Methodist Church in Van Wert.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 10, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert. A funeral meal will follow the services at Wesley United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Mohr Cemetery in rural Van Wert County.

Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. Friday, September 9, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: Community Health Professionals-Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.