Terry Joe Collins, 88, of Macomb, Illinois, formerly of rural Blandinsville, Illinois, passed away at 1:53 p.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at his daughter’s home in Pittsfield, Illinois.
Terry was born October 1, 1937 in LaHarpe, Illinois, the son of Elmer Elsworth “Bill” and Josephine Ruth (Lorton) Collins. As a young man, Terry worked for Miller’s Grocery Store in LaHarpe, delivering milk and groceries in the community. He was a 1955 graduate of LaHarpe High School. Following high school, he attended Western Illinois University, before enlisting in the U.S. Army. On November 22, 1958 he married Barbara Gordon at the Blandinsville Christian Church. She survives.
Following his military service, he was employed by Champion Spark Plug in Burlington, Iowa, for 33 years. He loved working and quickly realized retirement life was not for him.
He returned to the workforce as an Insurance Crop Adjuster with Country Financial for 20 years. Later in life, he relocated to Macomb and stayed active as a groundskeeper for Wesley Village. He loved working and providing for his family.
Mr. Collins was a member of the LaHarpe Masonic Lodge and LaHarpe Christian Church. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and the Fighting Illini. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.
Terry had endless love for his wife, Barbara. He was a man of integrity, honesty, great work ethics and strong family values. He was fortunate to enjoy extensive travel of the U.S.
Terry loved family time. With the addition of each new grandchild and great-grandchild he would say, “This is the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen.” Terry had a great sense of humor and always had a good joke. He will be dearly missed. His daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will carry on with his legacy. May his memory be a blessing.
Besides his wife of 67 years, Barbara, survivors include four daughters: Kimberly Kay (Daniel) Hicken of Peoria, Arizona, Nickola Jo (Mark) Geisler of Mt. Sterling, Illinois, Shelly Lynn (Jack) Martin of Rushville, Illinois and Angela Ann (Brian) Ruebush of Pittsfield, Illinois; 12 grandchildren: Brittian Davis (Evelia) Daudelin, Derrick Evan (Kayla) Daudelin, Jerad Michael (Alexandria) Geisler, Jocelyn Ann Holzmacher, Jenny Lynn (Blake) Bushman, Jacob Edward (Jessica) Geisler, Justin Raymond (Anna) Ward, Lance Michael Ward, Grant Taylor Ward, Megan Lynn (Brady) Whitney, Blake Collins (Amy) Ruebush and Aslyn Nicole (John) Havens and 28 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother: Billy Collins; one sister: Margo Gray and his in-laws: Dale and Alzata Gordon.
The funeral service for Terry will be held at 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe. Burial with Military Rites will follow in LaHarpe Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Attendees are encouraged to wear the Cubs, Bears or Fighting Illini apparel. The family would like to invite friends to join them for a luncheon following the service at Wesley Village Community Center.
A memorial fund has been established for Wesley Village.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Terry’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.
