Keith LaVerne Collins of Hermiston went peacefully to his Lord on Aug. 25, 2017 in Kennewick, Wash. at the age of 89.
He was born on Oct. 26, 1927 in Burr Oak, Kan. to Wanda and Wilford Collins as their firstborn of seven children.
He was raised in Nebraska and Kansas. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946 on the destroyer USS Charles R. Ware. He and Florence were youngsters as they married in Philipsburg, Kan. on May 17, 1947. He later took his wife and daughters to the Pacific Northwest.
In his early years, Keith worked on the railroad, in grain elevators, and whatever would take care of his family. After moving out west, he worked as a concrete inspector on a variety of dams. On some of the dams, he had to face his greatest fear – snakes! Rattlesnakes were very common and numerous as they would scoop out a load of dirt, dangling with snakes. He handled it pretty well but would scoot out of the way. He began working for the Army Corps of Engineers in 1961 and retired in 1985. At this point, he began his golfing career in earnest.
Keith’s family was his first love, but golf came in a close second. He shared golfing with his family and friends, mostly on the Echo golf course, where he got his hole in one. He and Florence loved to travel in their motor home, even as far as Georgia to see their kids and grandkids.
Keith and Florence were longtime members of the Hermiston Methodist Church. Keith served in the church, and they were both very active throughout their years in Hermiston.
Keith is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Florence Belle Collins; daughters, Cynthia Johnstone (Wayne) and Tanya McNeil (Larry); grandchildren, who will miss him greatly, Curtis Johnstone (Carla), Shauna Johnstone, Trenton McNeil (Diana), David Johnstone (Shari) and Tauna Soller (Lane); 15 great grandchildren; a great-great grandson; sisters, Pat Bartlett (Bud, deceased) and Trudy Ward (Mike); sisters-in-law on Florence’s side of the family, Virginia Bias, Naomi Day and Alice Day; and many friends, nieces, nephews and cousins who will miss his great laugh and smile.
He was preceded in death by his other siblings, Jerry Wayne, Jackie Dean, Willa and Willard.
Graveside services will be held for Keith at the Hermiston Cemetery with his family. Military honors, family prayers and dedication will be given.
From “His Journey’s Just Begun” by Ellen Brenneman:
And think of him as living In the hearts of those he touched.
For nothing loved is ever lost, And he was loved so much.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
