Hugh Roger Collins

Hugh Roger Collins, 97, entered into glory on June 22, 2025 at Newburgh Health Care Center. Hugh was born at the Bates House on Bates Hill in Yankeetown, IN. He graduated from Newburgh High School in 1945. He was a World War II veteran serving in Tokyo, Japan at the radio and cable office in the Dai Ichi Building which was General MacArthur’s headquarters. He worked at U.S. Railway Postal Service in Cincinnati, Ohio, owned and operated Collins Shell Service Station west of Newburgh for several years and retired from Whirlpool Corp. He was a member of Zion United Church of Christ for 71 years. He was a lifetime member of Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post #1114 of Evansville, a 71-year member of Warrick County Farm Bureau, past member of Newburgh Jaycees, Newburgh Businessmen’s Association and The Eagles #427. Hugh had also been a Detroit Tiger baseball fan since 1945 when they had spring training during World War II in Evansville, IN and their farm team played in Evansville for several years.

Hugh married the love of his life, Ruth L Kroeger, and together they had one daughter, Carol Anne (Collins) Holder. Hugh took great joy in the lives and accomplishments of those in his family and was a supportive and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Together Hugh and Ruth took many trips throughout the US and always celebrated their anniversary date. For many years they enjoyed dancing at the Coterie and Friday Night Dance Club with their friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman S. and Edna (Crowder) Collins, sisters Maurine Van Winkle (spouse Lester), Catherine Roberts (spouse Paul), and Eileen Summers, Brother-in-laws William Kroeger (spouse Sue), Paul Kroeger (spouse Dorothy), and Sister-in-law Nina Lance (spouse Richard).

Hugh is survived by his wife and partner of 71 years, Ruth L (Kroeger) Collins of Newburgh, IN, a daughter Carol (Cleo) Holder of Newburgh, IN, three grandchildren Krista (Dustin) Mason of Newburgh, IN, Jarrod (Chrissy) Holder of St Louis, MO and Meredith (Brian) O’Hara of Springfield, MA, six great-grandchildren, Avery and Kole Mason, Micah and Finn Holder, Kayleigh and Luke O’Hara and numerous other nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held in Hugh’s honor on Saturday, June 28th 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Zion UCC 10 W 1st St in Newburgh, IN. Visitation for Hugh will take place on Friday, June 27th 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Titzer Family Funeral Homes Simpson Chapel 510 W Jennings St in Newburgh, IN. Additional Visitation will also be held on Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Service at 10:00 a.m. at Zion UCC.

Memorial contributions in Hugh’s honor may be made to Zion UCC of Newburgh. Condolences may be shared with Hugh’s Family on the Titzer Family Funeral Homes website. All arrangements are in the care of Titzer Family Funeral Homes Simpson Chapel.