Obituary of Thompson Smith Collins

Thompson S (Tom) Collins, Jr. passed away at home Thursday, February 16, 2023.  Tom was a Weld County native, living in Galeton, Eaton and Greeley.  He was born to Thompson S Collins Sr. and Velma Louise (Palmer) Collins, at home on February 05, 1934. Tom was one of eight children, (four brothers and three sisters).  He married Cornelia Miller in 1956 and Margaret Ehrlich in 1976 (both are deceased).  He is survived by children Tommie Sue Massey, Donna (Dr. David) Norstedt, and James A “Andy” Collins; brother Kenneth (Tenny) Collins, sister Linda Will; Three grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, (and extended family of three children and six grandchildren); and many other family members, friends, and business associates.

Tom attended school in Gill & Olive Branch Country School (2 rooms) through the 5^th grade; Wyatt through 8^th grade; and finished school 9^th -12^th grade in Ault, Co.  He served active and inactive duty in the U.S. Army from 1955- 1963 and farmed during his inactive duty years from 1957- 1963.  He started his Real Estate career in 1963 till 2019 (56 years).  His career included Auction, Agricultural Real Estate and Appraisal until “Retirement”.  During his career, Tom held the long-time post as manager of the Farm and Ranch Division at Wheeler Realty.  While he served at that post Tom was appointed in 1976 to the National Farm and Land Institute Legislative Committee.  He was a member of the Greeley Board of Realtors, the Colorado Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors.  Tom was Consistently a Top Sales producer and achieved the highest level of sales many times over.

Tom loved Weld County.  As a young husband and father, he was active in the Galeton Lions club, and was a past President.  Over the years he was a member of the Galeton Community Church, First Baptist Church of Eaton, and Greeley Presbyterian Church.  Tom was a determined and devoted man who put his faith in Christ when he was young.  He was quiet in his faith, but it was strong in his heart.  He kept a favorite Bible within reach and a well-loved picture of Christ looking over his bed.  He prayed desperate prayers at times and trusted The Lord to help him along his way.

Untold numbers of family, friends and others were helped by Tom in many ways over the years.  Tom loved his children deeply and weathered the storms of life with them regardless of how intense the storms were.  Tommi Sue was born in 1957, Donna in 1958 and Andy in 1960.  Though at times the storms tore the family apart, full restoration and victory came.  Over the course of Tom’s final physical battles, he was cared for by all of his children.  That most especially in an indescribably compassionate way by his son, who held his hand and stayed by his side all the way.  A special shout out to Bright Star of Greeley (Dawn, Chris, Brandon, Ruby & Sophia); VA Medical (Dr. Kanter, Sandy & others); younger brother Kenneth and younger sister Linda. 

There are no words to describe how much you will be missed.  No one can take your place.  We will see you on that day, when the Trumpet sounds, I Thessalonians 4:13-18.  We know you are in the cloud cheering us on, Hebrews 12:1

A Celebration of Life will be at 11 am on Friday, February 24, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Eaton, 228 2^nd St, Eaton, Colorado, A graveside service will be held following the service at Eaton Cemetery, Christensen Ave, Eaton, CO 80615