His life began on July 21, 1945. His parents Milton and Evelyn (Shaffer) Collins raised him and four siblings, Pat, Jackie, Roberta and Jim, in Mason. John married the love of his life, Rose Lynn Johnson (née Shippy), on October 31, 1976, in Mason, Michigan, bringing together four children, DeAnna, David, Brian and Kyle. After 43 years of marriage, she preceded him in death in September of 2020.
John was a 1963 graduate of Mason High School and continued to meet with former classmates throughout his life. He served proudly in the Air Force from 1965 - 1969, returned from service in Vietnam, went to work at Fisher Body, and eventually to school at Lansing Community College and then Michigan State University, graduating in 1977 with a business degree. He and Rose moved many times as John progressed in his career as an insurance salesman, from Mason to Fenton to Grayling, then Maryland and Florida. They retired to Crossville, Tennessee and John returned to Mason after Rose’s passing.
John cherished his family and was a source of strength and support to everyone. He loved hunting, fishing, golfing, gardening and the Spartans. He enjoyed playing many types of card games all his life; most recently he could be found playing Euchre on Friday nights with his sister Jackie. He volunteered at the Cumberland County Hospital in Tennessee for several years, helping other seniors receive and set up their life alert alarms. He was a member of United Methodist Churches in every town he lived in. He also became a Stephen’s Minister and provided a listening ear and support for others in need. And wherever he and Rose lived, they gathered amazing groups of friends, with whom they continued in contact after moving away.
John will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his children, DeAnna (Bruce) Fedewa of Holt, and Kyle (Susan) Johnson of Branchburg, New Jersey; fifteen grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren (with more on the way); his siblings Jacqueline Judson of Mason, Roberta Ann Saladin of Cedar Springs and James (LeeAnn) Collins of Mason; his brothers-in-law, Dennis (Connie) Shippy of Savannah, and Leonard (Debbie) Shippy of Three Rivers; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Rose; two sons, Brian Smith and David Johnson; his sibling, Patricia Clemons; his sister-in-law, Carol Shippy, and brothers-in-law, Ron Judson and Dennis Saladin.
Family and friends will gather Sunday, July 21, 2024, for a visitation with the family at First United Methodist Church, 201 N. Ash St, Mason, 48854 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.; followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. at Maple Grove Cemetery, 219 N. Jefferson Street, Mason, where John’s ashes will be interred with his parents and his beloved Rose.
The family prefers contributions in memory of John be made to Boys Town, PO Box 8000, Boys Town, NE 68010, or to the VFW Foundation, 406 West 34th Street, Ste. 920, Kansas City, MO 64111, or to the First United Methodist Church, 201 N. Ash Street, Mason, MI 48854.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, Mason, which is also hosting the online memory book. Please share your memories there.
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