Eugene "Gene" A. Collins

Eugene A. “Gene” Collins of Kansas City, Kansas passed away peacefully on August 15, 2023 at the age of 95. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at St. Mary’s-St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 615 N 7th St Trfy., Kansas City, Kansas 66101.Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM.  Following Mass, internment will take place at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 1150 N 38th St, Kansas City, Kansas 66102.

Gene was born to William and Bridget Collins on November 9, 1927 in Kansas City, Kansas. As a young child, Gene served as an altar server, beginning his lifelong commitment to his Catholic faith.  Gene was the youngest of eight children. He attended St. Anthony’s Catholic Grade School in Kansas City, Kansas before graduating from Bishop Ward High School in 1945. Gene joined the Navy, serving as 3rd Class Petty Officer from 1945-1947. After his service, Gene worked at Foley Electric and United Motors before dedicating his lifelong career to the US Postal Service until his retirement in 1984. 

On July 23, 1949, Gene married the love of his life, Bernice Plese. Gene and Bernice would go on to raise three children. Gene coached his children in baseball and was a member of the St. Anthony’s Holy Name Society. As a lifelong parishioner of St. Mary’s-St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Gene served as an usher for 60 years. Gene enjoyed watching the Royals, spending time telling stories of his life on Strawberry Hill, visiting with his friends at church and spending countless hours with his five grandchildren.

Gene is survived by his wife, Bernice, of 74 years; his daughter, Kathleen VandenBoom (Eugene H.) of Kansas City, MO; his son Fredrick (Elizabeth) of Olathe, KS; his grandchildren, Patrick Collins, Maureen Seufert (Matt), Bridget Collins, Theresa Helms (Jesse) and Joseph VandenBoom; and his seven great grandchildren. Gene was preceded in death by two daughters, Mary Catherine Collins and Elaine Anne Collins; his parents, William and Bridget (Schwed) Collins; his siblings, Harry Collins, Viola Stokes, Eileen Talkin, Clarence B. Collins “Bernie”, Leo Collins, Mary Elizabeth Blankenship “Betty”, and William Collins.

The family would like to thank the staff of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Home and St. Croix Hospice for their dedicated care of Gene during his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations honoring Gene can be made to St. Mary’s-St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Kansas City, Kansas or Beautiful Savior Lutheran Home in Belton, Missouri.