Ernest Russell Collins' Obituary
Ernest Russell Collins, a dedicated family man, loving husband, and steadfast professional, passed away on December 6, 2023, at the Avon Cleveland Clinic at the age of 85, after bravely enduring a prolonged illness. He was born on August 2, 1938, in Terra Alta, West Virginia, to Wilkie and Ina (nee Watkins) Collins.
Ernest's early years were marked by a commitment to education, graduating from Terra Alta High School before furthering his studies at Lorain County Community College. His thirst for knowledge was insatiable, a lifelong learner attending various classes and seminars, constantly striving for excellence.
In service to his country, Ernest joined the Army National Guard on August 10, 1955, and served with honor until his honorable discharge on September 24, 1962. He embraced a career at Ford Motor Company, where he spent 48 dedicated years as a layout inspector, retiring in 2007. Known for his unwavering commitment to precision and excellence, Ernest was a true professional, dedicating himself to his work with admirable seriousness. His work ethic was unwavering, a testament to his belief that anything worth doing was worth doing right.
Even after retiring from Ford, Ernest's dedication persisted as he continued to contribute, working an additional 5 years at TI Automotive before officially retiring in 2012. His devotion to his profession was matched only by his love for his family, a man for whom family meant everything.
Ernest cherished moments with his loved ones, adoring his wife of 63 years, Arletta (nee Zinn), and taking immense pride in his daughters, Paula Blackhall, Kim (John) Hannigan, and Colleen (Steve) Pete. He found joy in the presence of his grandchildren, Kelly (Erick) Goad, Vanessa Cornelius, Stephanie Cornelius, Robbie (Stephanie) Pete, Christopher Blackhall, and Steven Pete, and delighted in the laughter of his great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Cora, and Finn Goad, and Camden and Lane Pete.
His compassion extended beyond family, as he had a special place in his heart for animals and children. Ernest's passing is deeply mourned by his surviving sister, Shirley Lambert, brother-in-law Arthur (Cathy) Zinn Jr., and a wide circle of friends and colleagues.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilkie and Ina Collins, his sister Sylvia Moyer, and his in-laws, Arthur and Margaret Zinn.
A time of remembrance and visitation for Ernest will be held on Monday, December 11, 2023, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, located at 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, December 12th at 12:00 p.m. in the funeral center, followed by interment at Ridge Hill Memorial Park.
In honor of Ernest's memory, the family kindly suggests contributions to be made to a Children's Charity of your choice or to the Lorain County Community Foundation for scholarships for trades, in lieu of flowers.
Expressions of sympathy and condolences for the family can be shared online at www.dovinreberjones.com. Ernest Russell Collins will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his work, his love for family, and his commitment to excellence in all facets of life. He leaves behind a legacy of love, diligence, and compassion that will endure through the lives he touched.
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