Paul Collins

PAUL PODGE E. COLLINS Paul Podge E. Collins, 77, of Altoona, Kansas passed away, Thursday evening, October 26, 2006 at his home in Altoona. Paul was born July 07, 1929 in Rich Hill, Missouri to Bill and Eva Mae Holtsclaw Collins. He was raised and educated in Altoona, graduating from Altoona High School in 1947. He entered the U.S. Air Force on January 15, 1951 and served overseas in Japan. He married Hiroko Obara on April 11, 1955 in Tokyo, Japan. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant on March 13, 1956. They made their home in Wichita for 10 years working at Beechcraft. They returned to Altoona where he worked for IMCO and Colbalt Boat Mfg. Company until his retirement. His wife Hiroko preceded him in death on October 18, 1998. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 5962. Paul is survived by four children, Denice Jones of Neodesha, Kansas, Bruce Collins of Paola, Kansas, Tammy Taylor-McArthur of Anchorage, Alaska and Patty Goss of Palatka, Florida; one sister, Bertie Follick of Shawnee Mission, Kansas; one brother, Loran Collins of Altoona, Kansas; eight grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Merritt Jones; and one son-in-law, Rollie Taylor. Visitation hours for Paul will be on Sunday, October 29, 2006 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Loran Fawcett Chapel, Neodesha, Kansas. Funeral services for Paul Podge E. Collins will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 30, 2006 at the Verdigris Valley Christian Fellowship, Altoona, Kansas with Reverend Jim Raymond officiating. Burial will follow at the Altoona Cemetery, Altoona, Kansas with military honors provided by the U.S. Air Force, McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita, Kansas. The family has suggested memorial contributions to the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Coffeyville, Kansas, the Wilson County Hospital or the American Cancer Society. Memorials may be left with the funeral home staff. To leave a message for the family or view his obituary, visit www.penwellgabel.com.