Collins, Claud Emery August 5, 1959 - July 21, 2013

Claud Emery Collins was born August 5, 1959 in Kansas City, Missouri to Claud Austin Collins and Sharon Kay (Swanson) Collins. He passed away July 21, 2013 in Osceola, Missouri. He went to school in Kansas City, Missouri and later Osceola. Claud joined the Navy at 17 years old to serve his country. He really enjoyed seeing the world, Hawaii, Philippines and Alaska. After getting out of the Navy he spent some time with family and friends while working in Kansas City, then he joined the United States Coast Guard and was stationed in Memphis. While he was there he met Linda Vanover. They made a life together in Kansas City and had four children. Claud loved nature and all the natural beauty of the world. He liked going to state parks and exploring caves. His family and friends were very important to Him. He never missed a chiefs game. There were times out of the blue he would call his brother to discuss sports or what happened in the days sporting events. Family, children and grandchildren meant the world to him. Later in life Claud returned to what he called home, Osceola, and live on the family land. He was always raising a garden or cutting wood, anything to help take care of his family. Claud enjoyed clearing walking paths, so you could go for a walk without having to walk through any brush. He also read a lot of books, he knew a little bit about most anything. Claud is survived by 5 children, Nicole York of Fort Scott, Kansas, Lucy DiRusso of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, William Collins of Fulton, Missouri, Dave Collins, stationed in Rota Spain and Richard Collins of Osceola, Missouri; father, Claud A Collins of Osceola; mother, Sharon K. Brunson of Blairstown, Missouri; sisters, Patricia Brownlee of Osceola, Missouri, Norma Mansell of El Dorado Springs, Missouri and 1 brother, Paul Collins of Gladstone, Missouri along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and many friends.