Cover photo for Nelson G. Collins's Obituary
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1938 Nelson 2024

Nelson G. Collins

August 23, 1938 — April 17, 2024

Sedalia

Nelson Gordon Collins, 85, of Sedalia, passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center.

He was born August 23, 1938, in Sedalia, son of Gilbert Nelson and Margaret Irene (Weaver) Collins.

On August 6, 1960, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, he married Shirley Joan (Pabst), who preceded him in death on July 11, 2021.

Nelson was a 1956 graduate of Smith-Cotton High School, working part-time at Bell's Shoe Store through high school. After graduating, he went to work for the Sedalia Democrat, where he was a Union printer and later ad director. He was a member of the International Typographical Union. He retired after 40 years.

During retirement, he owned several rental houses and farms. The family owned homes at the Lake of the Ozarks, where they enjoyed boating, swimming, and fishing. He also enjoyed hunting and going to the boat. 

Nelson was a longtime member of St. Vincent de Paul parish. Active in the community, he helped start the soccer program in Sedalia, helped organize the Meals on Wheels golf tournament, and worked with Little League baseball. 

Surviving are a son, John Rodney Collins and his fiancé, Cheri; two grandsons, Ryan Collins and Cody Collins; a sister-in-law, Peggy Pabst; nieces, Margaret Cook, Marsha Doss, Gayle Lamb; and nephew, Tom Pabst.

In addition to his parents and wife of 61 years, Shirley, he was preceded in death by a sister, Phyllis Collins Ropcke; a brother-in-law, Kenneth Pabst; and a sister-in-law, Betty Wright.

Prayers of the Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024, at St. Vincent de Paul St. Patrick Chapel, with visitation to follow until 10:45 a.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Meals on Wheels or St. Vincent de Paul parish, in care of Heckart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 434, Sedalia, MO 65302.


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