HERON SHERWOOD COLLINS, born November 17, 1922, in Charlotte North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home September 9, 2014, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren who will miss him greatly. A child of the Great Depression, he supported his family delivering newspapers. He learned at an early age the importance of a good education. He was a voracious reader and excelled from an early age in all academic pursuits. He loved sports but could not participate in High School because he had to supplement his family's income working during high school as an automobile mechanic and service station attendant. In 1942, he enlisted in the Army and served until being honorably discharged in 1945. While in the Army he earned the name Rip for his toughness and loyalty to his fellow soldiers. After the war he resumed his academic pursuits graduating Cum Laude from Wofford College, and the University of South Carolina, eventually earning his Ph.D. in Mathematics at Tulane. While attending Tulane, he met Sarah Joyce Harkey, who has been his wife and best friend for the past 62 years. He was a full professor of Mathematics at LSU for 35 years, publishing numerous research papers and proudly mentored many Ph.D. candidates during his tenure. He was known to jump over chairs to wake dozing students, and he will be remembered for his sense of humor. Heron is preceded in death by his parents Thomas Gordon Collins and Freda Huskey Collins, his brothers Gordon and Jerry Collins, and a son, Thomas Welton Collins. He is survived by his wife, Sarah; three children, Rip Collins and spouse Melinda Lorio Collins, daughter Jill Collins Meredith and husband Locke Meredith, and son Bill Collins and wife Hiromi Collins. He is survived by Ten grandchildren: Sarah Collins Bennett and husband Daniel Bennett, Katie Collins Fetzer and husband Peyton Fetzer, Collins Meredith and wife Claudia Meredith, Mitchell Meredith, Troy Collins, Taylor Collins, Madisonne Meredith, Mason Meredith, Hannah Collins, and Mia Collins. One great grandchild Olivia Grace Bennett. Heron was a member of the First Methodist Church Choir for over 50 years. A lifelong lover of music, he passed that love along to his children and grandchildren, and sang tenor in the motet choir for 50 years. A memorial service will be held at the Aldridge Chapel First Methodist Church Baton Rouge at 1 PM with visiting at 12 noon on Friday, September 12, 2014.
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Our Wal-Mart Pharmacy family is deeply saddened by the passing of your love one.We'll always remember Mr. Collins fondly and feel lucky that we had the pleasure of knowing him. Mr. Collins will be very missed. Love the wal-mart pharmacy ??
Toya Morris
September 24, 2014
Heron was greatly involved in seminar activity and participated in training many students working on advanced degrees. We will all miss his colorful contributions ---R. J. Koch
Robert Koch
September 16, 2014
Heron was a pillar of the LSU math department. He was the doctoral advisor to many of our top graduate students, and his wonderful happy grin will be remembered and missed.
Robert Perlis
September 12, 2014
Sorry to hear about this. I hope that you all find peace and comfort in knowing he is in a better place, yet he is still watching over everyone that he loved.
Robert Hines
September 12, 2014
I was a doctoral student of Heron's, finishing in 1965. I owe him a lot. He congratulated me when I had a success and gave a good swift kick when I lagged. I owe him a lot. I last saw him in 2006 when I visited the LSU Math Dept. We had a delightful lunch and a long chat. He was a person of quality.
John Conway
September 12, 2014
Heron Collins was a wonderful mentor to me when I first came to LSU as a 19 year old kid. He taught me point set topology and Functional Analysis. He was a funny, engaging man who took me under his wing and made me feel welcome in my new home. He cared about his students and I will miss him greatly.
Paul Britt
September 11, 2014
I will miss Heron's sense of humor. When I was a new faculty member, he was one of my senior colleagues who made me feel welcome. He recommended my first graduate student to me. I greatly valued his friendship and am saddened by his passing.
James Oxley
September 11, 2014
I didn't know Mr. Collins but he sounds like a very interesting man who led a wonderful life. My prayers to his wife and family that you will have peace in the days to come. God bless you.
Pat
September 11, 2014
Jill so sorry to hear about your father. Ya'll have been on my mind since I saw you the other day. Keep your memories close to your heart and forevever pass them down. Take care and sincerely sorry. Julie mcneil
September 11, 2014
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