Roy William Collins

Roy was born on July 6, 1932, in East St. Louis, Illinois, and grew up in Chester, Illinois. As a young boy, he worked at his father’s barbershop shining shoes. After high school, he served in the United States Air Force for four years as an aircraft mechanic, flight chief, and Staff Sergeant.

On May 2, 1953, Roy married his high school sweetheart, Bernadette Ann "Bonnie" Wingerter. They shared 56 loving years of marriage and raised two sons together.

Roy had a distinguished career and was proud of his time at NASA as a spacecraft quality assurance inspector. Over his 36-year tenure, he contributed to the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space programs.

Beyond his career, Roy had a passion for bowling and often said he wanted to live as long as he could still throw a bowling ball. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, motor coaching, card games, cornhole, Wii bowling, and reading. He really enjoyed being with the dogs, cats and horses. He enjoyed special memories of his' and Bonnie's two trips to Alaska.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwina and Roy Squire Collins; his wife, Bonnie Collins; his sisters Anna Collins, Leah J. "Babe" Bartels, and Annette M. "Cookie" Owens; and his grandsons Nicholas Collins and Sean Collins.

Roy is survived by his sons Patrick W. Collins and Timothy B. Collins; six grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren and many nieces & nephews.

Roy's pallbearers are Mike Collins, Kevin Collins, Corbin Collins, Kat Collins, Ike Ray and Ryan Collins with honorary pallbearers Boyce Maxwell and Kyle Struzick.

The family will receive visitors from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Brookside Funeral Home Cypress Creek in Houston. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Community in Houston, preceded by visitation at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster, Texas.

Roy wanted to be remembered as a helpful and caring person. His legacy of dedication, friendship and love will be cherished by all who knew him.

A visitation for Roy will be held Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home-Cypress Cr, 9149 Highway 6 North, Houston, TX 77095. A committal service will occur Friday, March 7, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Forest Park East Funeral Home & Cemetery, 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598. A funeral service will occur Friday, March 7, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church, 11507 Huffmeister Rd, Houston, TX 77065.