Joseph Harvey Collins

Joseph Harvey Collins, 69, passed away on January 25, 2021, after contracting COVID 19. He was born in Alton, Illinois on March 31, 1951 to Harvey and Faye Collins and raised in Jerseyville, Illinois where he attended Catholic grade school and the local high school. Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force immediately after high school at the height of the war, and completed two combat tours in Vietnam, earning a Purple Heart. He served for 12 years as an F4 Phantom navigator and weapons system instructor; 2 years as an AF OSI special agent and 6 years as a cryptographic communications system technician. He served for 22 years total, retiring with full honors as a commissioned officer (Major). During his enlistment, Joe was stationed at Air Force bases around the world. He served as a building inspector during the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew in Florida before joining the St. Petersburg Police Department as a Sergeant where he served for 27 years. Throughout his life, Joe was an avid hunter and fisherman with a true respect for the environment. Upon his final retirement, Joe enjoyed life as a gentlemen farmer on his beloved Shear Pin Farm, creating wildlife habitats and growing premium hay. He is survived by his devoted and loving partner, Roberta Garrison. Also surviving are six siblings: Susan, Edward, William, Jane, Richard, and Gerald.; his former spouse and friend, Susan Detmold, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. We will miss his mischievous smile and wit, his dogged determination, his loyalty to his family, friends, brothers/sisters-in-arms, and to his beloved country, the United States of America. At his request, Joe was interred in Arlington National Cemetery at which time a full military service was performed to honor his life of service and commitment to others. Memorials may be made to: St. Francis Holy Ghost School, 309 N. Washington St., Jerseyville, IL 62052; Heroes of the St. Pete Police (https://heroesofstpete.org/hero/); or to the charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be posted through Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home Dyer Chapel at https://www.dyerfh.com/