Robert Kimble Collins

Robert Kimble Collins, 83, died December 28, 2008, at the Midland Hospice House. Dr. Collins was born June 17, 1925, on the family farm, north of Overbrook, to Joe and Jennie Kimble Collins. He was the second of their five children. He was educated in a one-room country school and graduated from Overbrook Rural High School in 1942. He served with the 71st Army Band in the Panama Canal Zone. He met Donna Swezey of Wakefield while both were students at Kansas State University, and they were married in 1949. After graduation in 1951 Bob taught public school music for several years. He graduated from the College of Dentistry of the University of Nebraska in 1966. The family moved to Topeka where Bob practiced dentistry and retired as staff dentist with the Colmery-O'Neill V.A. Center. For many years he enjoyed traveling, photography and biking. In 1992, he participated in the Bike Across Kansas ride. Bob's all-time favorite thing to do was to perform many types of music-both vocally and instrumentally. He played for many shows at TCT, Helen Hocker and Washburn theaters. At various times he was a member of the Capital City Chorus, Marshall's Band, and the Topeka Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. In later years Bob and Donna enjoyed sharing their wide repertoire of World War II and Swing Era songs with the residents of many of the area's nursing and retirement facilities. Survivors include his loving wife, Donna, three sisters and a brother; daughters, Carolyn Warren (Roger) Olathe; Deb Luckadoo (Tim) Cary, NC; and a son, Kim Collins (Debbie) Santa Barbara, CA; seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2nd, 10:00 am -11:00 am, with a funeral service to follow at Crestview United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery at 1:00 pm. Bob was a long-time member of Crestview United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir for many years. Memorial gifts may be made to the church, 2245 S.W. Eveningside Dr., Topeka, KS 66614.