OBITUARY FROM NW INDIANA TIMES, NOVEMBER 9, 2013:
Rickie "Rick" Ray Collins, age 63, of Valparaiso, formerly of Hobart, passed away Thursday, November 7, 2013 while surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 19, 1950 in Gary, IN to Edward and Myrtle "Katherine" Collins. Rick was a 1968 graduate of Hobart High School and then entered the U.S. Navy. He retired as a millwright and had also worked as a carpenter and mechanic until he became ill. He was a member of the F.O.E. in Hobart.
Rick is survived by his high school sweetheart (fiancee), Bonnie Dooley of Valparaiso; mother, Myrtle "Katherine" Collins of Hobart; three sons: Carl, Erick, and James; daughter, Brittany; and grandchildren; one brother, Larry (Lynn) Collins; five sisters: Sharon (Jeff) Kaiser of Portage, Debbie (Rich) Gagna of Portage, Connie (John) Phipps of Gary, Dawn (Tony) Koselke of Valparaiso and Kim (Jack) Cook of Hanna; numerous nieces and nephews. Rick was preceded in death by his father, Edward Collins; brother, Terry "Buzz" Collins; son, Christopher Collins; and great niece, Ashley Goodwin.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family. A funeral service for Rick will be held Monday, November 11, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart with Rev. Gary S. Nagy officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville. Visitation is Sunday, November 10, 2013 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Fraternal Order of the Eagles service at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart. Call (219) 942-2109 or online at www.Reesfuneralhomes.com.
This information was obtained from: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nwitimes/obituary.aspx?pid=167926845.