Carrol Richard “Dick” Collins, 97, of Davenport passed peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024, at the Senior Star Memory Care in Davenport, Iowa.
In accord with Dick’s wishes, cremation services have been performed. A memorial service will take place Saturday, March 9 at 12 p.m. at Weerts Funeral Home in Davenport. Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. until time of service. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens in Marshalltown, Iowa.
Dick was born Aug. 23, 1926, in Marshalltown, Iowa.
He married Edith L. Petker on April 8, 1950 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She preceded him in death on Feb.20, 2014. One daughter, Carol, also preceded him in death on Jan. 28, 2020.
Dick learned to fly while still in high school in Albion, Iowa. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps as a cadet, hoping to become a pilot. However, the war was winding down, and there was no need for new pilots.
Dick was a good trumpeter, and during his service played in a dance band with many famous musicians at bases in Texas.
After his discharge, he graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S. in agricultural education. His first job was in sales with Swift Feed in South Dakota. He was very successful, driving 90,000 miles per year to cover his territory.
After two years he returned to help with the family farm. Three years later, he began a career with Brenton Banks. His farm background was invaluable as he quickly advanced within Brenton, ultimately serving as president of the Brenton Bank in Perry for 18 years.
Dick was very active in the community, serving on several boards, both commercial and philanthropic. He had great insight and clarity and spearheaded lasting improvements in any organization he was in.
He loved, fishing, hunting, boating, golfing (he made 4 hole-in-ones), playing cards and spending time with family.
After retirement, he and Edie enjoyed many happy years alternating between Naples, Florida, and Clear Lake, Iowa. In 2009, due to declining health, they moved to the Quad Cities to be closer to family.
Dick was a member of Asbury Methodist Church and would regularly arrive for services more than 30 minutes early so that he could read the Bible.
The family is very grateful to the amazing staff at Senior Star, who lovingly cared for him for 10 years, especially all the “angels” in the Memory Care unit. They are truly part of the family.
Survivors include his children, James (Debra) Collins of Sammamish, Washington, and Pamela Snyder of Bettendorf, Iowa; grandchildren, Shawn (Shanna) Collins of Sammamish, Andrea (Alonso Velasquez) Collins of Sammamish, Nicholas (Lauren) Snyder of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Richard (Evie) Snyder of Minneapolis; step-grandchildren, Thomas (Susie) Snyder Jr. of Moline, Illinois, and Sean (Lora) Snyder of Dripping Springs, Texas; great-grandchildren, Ellie Collins, Grant Collins, Leo Velasquez and Max Velasquez, all of Sammamish, and great-grandson, Ryle Snyder of Colorado Springs.
In lieu of flowers, please give donations to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be expressed at www.weertsfh.com.
