Robert Stanley "Bob" Collins , age 77 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at St. Vincent Carmel Hospital after a brief illness.  He was born June 11, 1945 in Elwood, the son of Frank "Wilbur" and Leona Mae (Stanley) Collins.  Bob was baptized in the Methodist Church and graduated in 1963 from Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood.  He last worked at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood in the Maintenance department for over 10 years.  Bob was well known for owning and operating Collins Auto Clinic, a family business assumed from his father, Wilbur Collins.  He also formerly operated gas stations around the Elwood community.

Bob never knew a stranger and was friendly to everyone.  He especially enjoyed woodworking and making personalized projects for family members as gifts.  Bob also enjoyed bowling at Lucky Strike for many years; fishing; and riding his bike all around Elwood for exercise.  He could be seen regularly at Friendly's to socialize and drink coffee with his friends.  More than anything, Bob's family was the highlight of his life, and he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Bob's family legacy includes two daugthers, Angela Kleyla (Cliff Hoskins) of Elwood and Tamara (Chris) Lovell of Girard, IL; two siblings, James (Sue) Collins of Elwood and Phyllis Jo Ellis of Madison, WI; 6 grandchildren, Kyle Kleyla, Janene Kleyla, Collin Hoskins (fiance' Selena Arenas), Colin Lovell, Kennedy Lovell, and Kayleigh Lovell; 4 great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Xavier, Ava, and Ila; former spouse, Cheryl Massey of Elwood; special cousin, Bill Collins of Middletown; and several nieces and nephews.  Bob was preceded in death by both his parents.

Bob's wishes were to be cremated.  No services will be held at this time, and a private gathering may take place at a later date.  Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.