Robert G. "Rip" Collins

Robert G. "Rip" Collins, 76, of Garfield, died Wednesday, June 3. He was born October 4, 1938, in Scobey, Mont., to Robert and Myrtle Collins. He moved to Arkansas in 1994. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife Maryann Collins. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1957 and retired in 1977 as a Commissioned Chief Warrant Officer (CWO-2). His 20 year navy career, mostly in submarines, included, USS BLACKFIN, USS TANG, USS HENRY L. STIMPSON, USS BILLFISH, a three year tour in Iceland, and a two year tour in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Two tours during the Vietnam War were aboard the USS TANG. Upon retirement from the Navy he was employed as a locksmith and a safecracker for seventeen years at Everett Safe and Lock in Everett, Wash. "Home is the sailor, home from the sea, an honorable man, an American warrior, a friend, rest gently my brother. " After retirement from the Navy he moved to Garfield and became involved with VAS (volunteer Ambulance Service of NE Benton Co.), first as a driver, then as a first responder, and Emergency Medical Technician. He served on the Board of Directors for VAS, wrote a monthly newsletter, was an instructor, maintained the communications equipment and ordered medical supplies and equipment. He is survived by one brother Roger "Butch" Collins of Washington State. Service is set for 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, at Sisco Funeral Home Chapel in Pea Ridge. Committal service will be at Fayetteville National Cemetery at 12 noon, Friday, June 12. Online condolences may be made at siscofuneralhome.net.