Robert "Bob" Collins, age 90, of Santa Claus

Robert "Bob" Collins, age 90, of Santa Claus, Indiana, passed away peacefully at 11:20 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville.

He was born March 2, 1936, in Brazil, Indiana, to Lowell “Casey” and Lenore (Overstreet) Collins; and married Virginia Ellen Pingleton on August 27, 1955, in Greencastle, Indiana.

A 1954 graduate of Greencastle High School, Bob continued his education at Ball State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree, before receiving his master's degree in education and administrative licensure from Indiana State University. Throughout his distinguished career, he served as a teacher, vice principal, principal, coach, mentor, and educational leader, touching the lives of countless students and families.

Bob's passion for athletics and young people extended far beyond the classroom. For more than 70 years, he was a licensed official with the Indiana High School Athletic Association, establishing a state record for longevity as an official. He officiated volleyball, basketball, baseball, and football, becoming a familiar and respected presence throughout Indiana. Known for his fairness, integrity, and commitment to sportsmanship, he helped shape generations of athletes, coaches, and fellow officials.

While his professional accomplishments were remarkable, Bob's greatest joy was his family. He and Virginia raised five sons in six years and created a home filled with laughter, love, faith, and strong values. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather who never missed an opportunity to encourage, teach, and support those he loved.

Bob believed in doing everything with your whole heart. He taught life's lessons through both words and actions; how to shake a hand firmly, look someone in the eye, work hard, help others, and always give your best effort. His grandchildren especially treasured his guidance, whether from the bleachers, the sidelines, or around the family table.

A longtime member of First Christian Church in Greencastle, Bob's faith guided the way he lived his life and cared for others. He found joy in simple pleasures, including watching birds, caring for koi fish, cheering for the Los Angeles Dodgers, collecting gnomes, spending time with his beloved pets, and sharing his famous expressions, including "Holy Toledo," "Holy King Fish," and "If a guy..."

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Charles Wayne "Chuck" Collins.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia Collins of Santa Claus; five sons, Rob (Deb) Collins, Jr. of Santa Claus, Cevin (Debbie) Collins of Rockport, Garry (Jenny) Collins of Clarksville, Doug (Lori) Collins of Santa Claus, and Tom (Robin) Collins of Santa Claus; one sister-in-law, Betty Collins of McCordsville; fourteen grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous extended family members, former students, athletes, colleagues, and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Bob's legacy cannot be measured by championships won, games officiated, or titles held. Rather, it lives on in the countless lives he touched, the lessons he taught, the family he cherished, and the example he set. He was a man who showed up, gave generously, loved deeply, and made the world a better place simply by being in it.

A memorial service for Robert “Bob” Collins will be held at 7:00 p.m., C.D.T., on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Rainey Funeral Home in Dale.  

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., C.D.T., on Thursday, prior to the service at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity in memory of Bob.  Condolences may be shared online at: www.raineyfuneralhome.com