Claude R. Collins, 79, of LaHarpe, Illinois passed away Monday, September 14, 2020 at the McDonough District Hospital in Macomb, Illinois.

He was born February 28, 1941, the son of Archie and Ruby Gilmore Collins. On July 21, 1968, he married Rose Shaver in Abingdon, Illinois. She preceded him in death on June 3, 2008.

Claude was a 1959 graduate of LaHarpe High School. Claude was a Veteran of the Korean War. He worked in Building Services at Western Illinois University for 27 years.

Claude enjoyed hunting, fishing, doing puzzles, gambling and he especially enjoyed going to his grandchildren's and all community sporting events. He was a member of the LaHarpe American Legion and a lifetime member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Survivors include four children, Betty Collins of LaHarpe, William Collins of LaHarpe, Juliana Thompson of Donnellson, Iowa and Patty McConnell of Burlington; twelve grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his twin brother, Clyde Collins and two sisters, Joan Shoemaker and Adeline Weast and numerous nieces and nephews.

Claude was preceded in death by his wife, Rose; one grandson, Caleb Peterson; son-in-law, Karl Thompson and nine brothers and sisters.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 21, 2020 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe with Rev. Rick Goettsche officiating. Burial with Military Rites conducted by the LaHarpe American Legion will follow in the LaHarpe Cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon until time of services, Monday, at Banks & Beals. Masks are recommended.

A memorial fund has been established in his memory.