Ralph Edgar "Tony" Collins

Ralph Edgar “Tony” Collins United States Navy (Ret.) Passed away February

17th, 2021 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico at the age of 91. He was born August 14th 1929 in Owosso, MI. As a 20-year retired US Navy veteran, he will be interred at The National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. He is survived by his wife of 41 years Dr. Barbara June Wheeler Hill Collins EdD, Rio Rancho NM, half-brother Gerald Allen Wellman (Penelope), Flint Township, MI, sister-in-law Nancy Kidder Wellman, Fenton, MI, step-son Lloyd Henry Wilder, San Diego, CA, daughter Linda Takeshima (Gary), San Diego, CA, and son Richard Allan Collins (Mary Margaret), Elsinore, CA and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

His 20-year Navy career as a Metalsmith (F/N-1st) C .S. and Chief Shipfitter, took him to the Panama Canal, The Philippines, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong, China. He served aboard USS Searcher, USS Orion, USS Dixie, and USS Prairie.

As a life member of The Michigan Society of Mayflower Descendants (Stephen Hopkins and Thomas Rogers), he can claim 5 Mayflower passengers.

Ralphs Retirement from the Navy in 1967, allowed him time to establish Electronic Metal Fabrication, Inc., a leading precision sheet metal company in San Diego, CA. for 28 years.

He held a commercial pilot’s license and owned his own airplane, a Piper Cherokee Lance. He was an avid antique automobile owner, restoring 1932, 901 Packard Sedan and the 1937, 115-C Packard Sedan which he owned for many years. He was a member of Packard’s International Inc., The Old Car Club, VMCCA and Classic Car Club. Covid precludes a memorial.

The Family asks that no flowers be sent and instead any remuneration be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6731 Academy Rd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87109. Cards can be sent to Barbara June Hill 4060 Jackie Rd. RM 11 Rio Rancho NM 87124.