Charles Russell Collins

Charles Russell "Russ" Collins, 81, of Aroma Park, IL passed away peacefully in Lake Charles, LA following a brief illness. Mr. Collins was born on October 30, 1933 in Chevanse, IL. He lived most of his life in Aroma Park, IL before moving to Lake Charles, LA two years ago to be with his daughter and her family. Mr. Collins served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict. He was a semi truck driver for Azzerlli Construction for over 40 years before retiring. His one true hobby was fishing and boating and he belonged to the Aroma Park Boat Club. Mr. Collins was also a member of the Aroma Park American Legion. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife whom he married on March 23, 1973 Justine Hamende Collins; six children, Diana Friedlander Pretzlaff of Nevada, Randy Friedlander of California, Kathleen Schultz McComb of Lake Charles, LA and Ken Hertz, Jr. (Debbie), Chris Cheffer (Larry), and Sue Pridemore (David) all of Kankakee, IL; nine grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; two nephews, Mike Collins of Tucson, AZ and Mike Percy of Aroma Park, IL; one niece, Cathy Collins of Kankakee, IL; a sister in law, Elsie Storm of Watseka, IL; and a brother in law, Vernon Hamende (Donna) of Ocala, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Laura and Claude Collins; a brother, James "Jimmy" Collins and wife Norma; a sister Delores Percy and husband Vernon; and a brother in law, Russ Hamende. A memorial service will be held in Lake Charles, LA on Sunday at 1:00 PM in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. A memorial service will be held in Illinois at a later date to be announced.