Jesse C. Collins, Jr.

Jesse C. Collins, Jr., 77, of Tippecanoe, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Twin City Hospital in Dennison, Ohio, after a lengthy battle with heart disease. He has made his final contribution to the good of the world by donating his body to the Cleveland Clinic for scientific study.

Born July 1, 1934 in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was the son of Jesse Claude Collins, Sr. who preceded him in death in 1986. He was also preceded in death by his mother; his stepmother, Florence, who raised him; and three sisters. After high school, Jesse proudly served his country during the Korean War as a highly decorated soldier in the 101st Army Airborne Rangers. Upon returning home from the war, he began his lifelong career as an over the road truck driver. He lived in the Northern Kentucky area for fifty years and in Cleveland for a number of years before retiring to the Tippecanoe area over twenty-five years ago where he has enjoyed tending to his gardens and doing woodworking.

Jesse is survived by his wife, Sandra Collins of the home; six children, Michael (Ramona) Collins of Alexandria, Ky., James (Deserae) Collins of Morningview, Ky., Mary Jo (Mike) Caudill of Alexandria, Ky., Jennifer (Donald) Baugh of Burlington, Ky., and Leonard (Bobbie Jo) Collins and Lisa (Mike) Dunn of Tippecanoe; fourteen grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service, officiated by Rev. Mark Unrue, will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 19, at the R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison. Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. Those wishing to honor Jesse’s memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to the American Heart Association.