Joe Collins

Mass of Christian Burial for life long Gillette resident, Joe Collins will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 17, 2008 at St. Matthew's Catholic Church with Father Maynard Brotherson officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery, with military honors provided by the American Legion Post #42. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at Stevenson-Wilson Funeral Home. Mr. Collins, age 76, of Gillette, Wyoming died on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, Wyoming of natural causes. Joe Collins was born on January 4, 1932 the son of John and Alberta (Culavin) Collins in Gillette, Wyoming. He was raised and educated in Gillette, graduating from Campbell County High School. Upon his graduation he attended the University of Wyoming. While in Laramie, Joe was drafted into the United States Army. After serving in the Army for 2 years he then enlisted in the Air force serving for another 2 years. During this time in the Air force he met Bonnell Guinn and they married on June 1, 1953 in Valdesta, Georgia. In 1956, the couple returned to Gillette and Joe continued serving for another 2 years in the reserves. The couple started their family and made their home, continuing the Collins Ranch which was established in 1896. Joe and his family made their life on this ranch raising cattle and growing wheat. He considered himself blessed to have shared this way of life with his sons who took over all the ranch operations in 1998. Joe continued to keep an eye on the ranch by driving around the country checking on the cattle and fences. Joe enjoyed trap shooting; he was a charter member of the Gillette Gun Club and served as President in the 1970?s. Joe also enjoyed playing guitar, fishing and hunting up until recent years. He was a member of St. Matthew?s Catholic Church and a 50 plus year member of the Elks. Joe is survived by his wife of almost 54 years, Bonnell Collins of Gillette, Wyoming; 2 sons: Kevin and wife Jana Collins and Brian and wife Holly Collins all of Gillette, Wyoming and 5 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Jack Collins; son Brett; granddaughter Charity Joe; as well as his 1st wife Mary (Record) and their infant child. Memorials are suggested to benefit the American Lung and Heart Associations. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Stevenson-Wilson Funeral Home, 210 W. 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or via the internet at www.stevensonwilson.com.