Thomas "Tom" H. Collins

His memorial service is 7 p.m. Thursday at O'Connor Memorial Chapel. Cremation has taken place under the direction of O'Connor Funeral Home.

Survivors include sons John Collins and Brian Collins of Great Falls; sister Peggy Case of West Lake Village, Calif.; brother Mike (Theresa) Collins of San Pedro, Calif.; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Tom Collins Jr.

Tom was born Feb. 23, 1926, in Anaconda, where he was raised and educated, graduating from Anaconda Central High School. After his discharge, he attended Great Falls Commercial College and the University of Montana.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946, in the South Pacific aboard the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown.

He began working for the Anaconda Copper Mining Co. in 1949 in Great Falls. He worked in the Zinc Plant office for 13 years, followed by three years in the Purchasing Department, then later in Metallurgical Accounting until his retirement in 1980, when the Anaconda Co. curtailed operations.

He was a member of St. Gerard's Catholic Church, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Eagles Lodge No. 14 and VFW Post 1087.

A special thanks to Tony, Sully and Alvina. Stanley says he will see you all in heaven.

Condolences may be posted online at www.oconnorfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com.