Obituary: Robert ‘Bob’ Clay Collins

February 6, 1943 – January 10, 2025

The world lost a dear man on Friday, January 10, 2025, when Robert Clay Collins was called
home. 

Robert (Bob) was born to Julia and Ralph Collins on February 6, 1943, in St. Louis, MO. 

After graduating from Ashland High School in Ashland, KY, in 1961, Bob graduated from Murray State University, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha. While at Murray State, he met Elizabeth Hall, and they married in March 1965. Their 60th wedding anniversary would have been March 27, 2025. 

Bob and Liz moved to Bedford, IN, in 1967, where they raised a family and were active community members. Bob was a passionate supporter of the American Red Cross and donated blood regularly. 

Bob and Liz were active First United Methodist Church members for over 50 years and served in multiple roles. 

Bob loved golfing with his son Mark and regular Tuesday/Thursday buddies at Otis Park GC.  In recent years, he played some of the best golf of his life, including occasionally shooting below his age. 

Bob retired from Crane after working as a systems analyst for 30 years. 

In 2019, Bob and Liz moved to Gentry Park in Bloomington, where they enjoyed attending St. Mark’s United Methodist Church and multiple artistic performances at IU. 

Bob was an amazing father who taught his children how to treat others with kindness and treat all God’s children equally. His children, Jill, Mark, and Kay, will always miss him.

Bob loved the Pacers, the Colts, the St. Louis Cardinals, and following the PGA with Liz. 

He leaves behind his wife and children, two sons-in-law, Rod and Troy, two granddaughters, Julia and Emma, his sister Susie and her husband Bill of Lexington, KY, three nephews, and his sister-in-law, Georgianna Temple of Louisville, KY.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother Terry, and in-laws, W.T. and Mary Hall.

A service for Bob will be held at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church on Friday, January 17th, at 11 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the White River Humane Society in Bedford, the ACLU, or St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Bob’s memory.

Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com

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