Eric Collins

Eric Collins passed away December 14, 2023, in Madison, WI surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 18, 1961, in Bloomington, IL to Russell and Dorothy Collins. Eric grew up in Russell Springs, KY and proudly served in the United States Navy.

Eric’s family will always remember his beaming smile and his ability to make friends everywhere he went. Anyone who knew him was well-acquainted with his mischievous antics, including supplying endless sweets, messing with telemarketers, and letting the toddlers drive the tractor, mower, and pickup. Eric’s grandchildren were his world, and the magic he created for them will live on forever in their hearts.

An avid hobby pilot, Eric loved his Cessna 140 and Stearman airplanes and the wonderful community of people he found at Bel Air Estates in Poplar Grove, IL (dubbed “Airplane Land” by Eric’s grandchildren). When on the ground, he could be found in his hangar working on one of his many restoration projects and teaching anyone who was willing to listen. He was always the first to lend a hand with his aviation buddies’ planes. He loved using his skills to help his loved ones and those in need.

Eric is survived by his wife, Marilyn Mitchell; sisters, Teresa Milligan, Lisa Lancaster, Carla Wheatley, and Rhonda Orman; stepchildren, William (Nichole) West, Lyndsay West, Jason West, Jessica (Joe) Fabal, and Olivia Cucco; and grandchildren, Liam, Keighan, Javian, Richard, Hayden, Zoë, and Clara. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Beverly.

Visitation will be from 9am until the funeral service at 12pm Wednesday, December 27, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 149 W Main St. (Lake Cook Road), Barrington, IL. Burial service will be held at Williams Cemetery, 186 Williams Cemetery Road, Celina, TN on Friday, December 29 at 1pm with military honors.