William "Tom" Collins

Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at the age of 86. Tom was born on May 11, 1935, in Omar, West Virginia to the late Orville and Ruth (Donnelly) Collins. In 1952 he met Janice Miller at a square dance, and they went on to get married on February 24, 1955 and shared 66 years of marriage. During that time, they raised 3 children, Thomas Collins, Dawn Butts Collins and Brian Collins, who then gave them 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. On May 24, 1970, Tom and Janice were saved and committed their life to serving God. Throughout his career, Tom worked hard to support his family. He was employed by K.V.P Paper Company for over 16 years, as well as General Motors and Milwood Schwinn for a number of years before settling in at Upjohn Company, where he retired from after 20 years. In his spare time, Tom enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, and volunteering for various organizations. Some of those included, the Kalamazoo Juvenile Home, the Kalamazoo County Jail under Forgotten Ministry, Borgess Hospital, and Kalamazoo Family and Children's Services. Tom also volunteered his time as a Chaplain at a number of nursing homes. Tom is survived by his loving wife; 2 children, Dawn and Brian; 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; 2 sisters and 2 brothers, as well as a host of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and son, Thomas. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 23, 2021, at 11:00 am at Berean Baptist Church 7813 S 12th St Portage, MI 49024. The family will receive friends Wednesday, December 22, 2021, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services 411 E Centre Ave Portage, MI 49002 and also at the church on Thursday 1 hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Berean Baptist Church or West Michigan Cancer Center in memory of Tom. To leave an online condolence, please visit https://www.langelands.com