Robert "Bob" Leroy Collins

Robert Leroy Collins, 88, of Mount Vernon, OH, passed into the arms of Jesus in the presence of his family at Danbury Senior Living, in Mount Vernon. Robert was born March 25, 1937 in Mansfield, OH, to Vincent and Leona {Leedy} Collins.

Bob married Marlene L. Snavely on September 15, 1957. He met Marlene in High School. Bob played six-man football and Marlene was a cheerleader. Hardworking, even in Highschool, he could not participate in other sports. He used the excuse of visiting Marlene’s brother Lyle to see her. They got married just after High School, graduating in May, and they were married in September.

Bob worked at Culligan Water Treatment in Fredericktown for 42 years in every kind of work they had. Repair, water, sales, and management he and Marlene opened the Fredericktown office and ran it for decades. The community respected him deeply because he had deep integrity and knew he would take care of any problem that came up. People still comment they wished he was still working there. He was always “other” focused caring for their needs. A farmer he included his boys in the work on the “Small D.” 200-acre farm with beef cattle and cash crops. Even after he retired from Culligan, he kept farming for many years. The boys were taught to work and given independent responsibility even at a young age. They didn’t have any “horror stories” because they were taught well. He had high expectations to the point when they started working for other people it felt like vacation.

Bob liked to golf. When they wintered in Myrtle Beach they stayed by a golf course and visited many in the area. He was in a church golfing group in Myrtle Beach. He also liked church softball, bowling, and fixing things. If it needed fixed, he was at work on it. He was competitive and wanted to win but in heathy fun way. He was humble and kind with a gentle smiling strength.

Bob was a member of the Fredericktown First Baptist, a deacon, trustee, Sunday School teacher and youth advisor. He was always ready to help with any need when called on for over 60 years. He had deep faith and loved the Lord with all his heart. He was a man of prayer for his children and grandchildren. You knew he prayed for you when you asked him to.

Bob will be deeply missed by his wife; children Jeffrey R. and Gregory A. Collins; three grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Julie Ann “Collins” Glasner.

Friends may call Saturday March 28, 2026, from 10 to 12 p.m. at Fredericktown First Baptist Church, 22 E Sandusky St, Fredericktown, OH 43019. Celebration of Life services will follow at 12:00 noon, at the church with Pastor Brian Snow officiating. Burial will be done later by the family. Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Fredericktown First Baptist.