Claud Austin Collins was born November 26, 1934 in Osceola, Missouri to Raymond and Lucille (Ball) Collins. He passed away April 26, 2019 with his daughters by his side.
He spent most of his childhood in Osceola, Missouri going to school only to 8th grade because he had to quit school and stay home to help his dad work. He served in the Army for a short time and was released after a window had fallen on his toe. When he got home he went to Kansas City with his brother Charlie to work in a foundry and mowed grass at a cemetery. He later joined the welder and boilermakers union in which he retired after more than 55 years. He said he always drew more on his pension than he paid in.
Claud was united in marriage to Sharon Swanson. This union was blessed with 4 children, Claud, Patricia, Norma and Paul (Tony). He and his wife and children lived in Kansas City, Missouri until he bought his family property in rural Osceola, Missouri where he built a house that still stands today after 50 years, even though he said he had no knowledge of building a house.
He worked very hard and took pride in his accomplishments. He said he felt better if he accomplished something each day even though his family was his greatest accomplishment. Claud never asked anyone for anything, earning everything he had by saving and hard work. He lived very simply trying to instill those values on his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Claud never met a stranger and was always there to help others in need.
Claud had a strong faith in his Lord and knew where he was going when he left this earth
He was preceded in death by two sons, Claud Emery and Paul Anthony “Tony”; both parents and many brothers and sisters.
Claud is survived by his daughters Patricia Ann and Norma Jean; two sisters, Margie and Wanda, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, other family and many friends.
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