Obituary of Merle C. Collins

Merle Charles Collins, 78, of Cayuta, NY passed away on Monday, October 17, 2022 at home. He was born in Montour falls, NY on October 27, 1943 the son of the late Eugene and Leah (Wright) Collins and graduated from Odessa Montour High School. Merle was a machinist for over 40 years, with the majority of his career with Shepard Niles in Montour Falls. He enjoyed many activities with his wife Sue, such as bowling, hunting, fishing, bird watching, snowmobiling and square dance clubs. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Susan I. (Parrott) Collins in 2018; parents, Eugene Collins in 1981 and Leah (Wright) Collins in 1985; sister, Anna Mae (Collins) Elmo in 2018; and brother, Richard Collins in 2019. Merle is survived by two sons, Mark (Lisa) Collins of Alpine and John (Shannon) Collins of Lowman; three daughters, Carol (David) Marsh of Alpine, Christina (Joseph) Zimmer of Montour Falls and Donna (Robert) Angle of Cayuta; sixteen grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; and by many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held privately by the family. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Care First Hospice, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Painted Post, NY 14870 or Schuyler County Food Pantry, 221 W. South St., Montour Falls, NY 14865.