Ernest “Ernie” Merel Collins, age 86 of North Platte, passed away Thursday September 1, 2016 at Great Plains Health.
Ernie was born on March 7, 1930 in North Platte, NE to Clifford and Edith (Smith) Collins. He married Bonnie June Cochran on June 2, 1953 in North Platte and to this union Dennis, Terry and Sherry were born. After high school he worked for Ely-Hoppe Lumber Company, owned and operated the Chevron Gas Station on Rodeo Road, and was a carpenter for Homan Bros. Construction. He went to work as a carman on the Union Pacific Railroad and retired in 1995. Ernie was in the National Guard for 8 years, enjoyed playing softball as a left handed pitcher, and driving through Cody Park to watch the buffalo. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and following their sporting and music events.
Ernie is survived by his wife Bonnie of North Platte; children Dennis (Catherine) Collins of Colorado Springs, CO, Terry (Mary) Collins of North Platte and Sherry (Kyle) Cole of North Platte; grandchildren Joshua (Jenn) Collins, Ashley Collins, Nolan Collins, Landon (Jennifer) Collins, Curtis (Andrea) Collins, Logan (Hillary) Collins, Baylee (Collin) Mink, Heidi (Todd) Stark, Alexis Cole and Alyssa Cole; great grandchildren Zachary and Lily Collins, Alicia, Emmy and Easton Collins, Jack Collins, Addison Collins, Augie and Elizabeth Stark; sister Katherine Lewis of North Platte; brother Verlin (Lois) Collins of Pomona, CA; as well as numerous other family members and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson Jordan Collins; granddaughter Mary Cole; and siblings Wayne Collins, Donald Collins and Lorine Cochran.
Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday September 5, 2016 at Grace Community Bible Church with Reverend Mike Wing officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Sunday September 4, 2016 with family receiving friends from 4:00 until 6:00 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.