WEBSTER – Clifton E. Collins, 77, of Webster, died Saturday, October 1, 2011 in Kindred Hospital, Leicester, surrounded by his family.
He leaves his wife of 57 years, Nancy (Eldredge) Collins; a son, Henry Clay Collins and his wife Lynn of Berlin; 2 daughters, Patricia C. Embrey and her husband Dr. Jeffrey Embrey of Irving, TX, and Cindy J. Latour and her husband James of Webster; 6 grandchildren, Kristen Staggs, Keith Collins, twins Shelbie and Walker Embrey, Brittany Latour and Lisa Beckman; a great granddaughter, Kayla Beckman; a sister, R. Marion McTigue of Oakdale; a brother-in-law, Robert Eldredge and his wife Evelyn of Overland Park, KS; and several nephews and nieces.
He was born in Farmington, ME, the son of Henry Clay and Irene Marie (Alix) Collins. He graduated from Millbury High School in 1952 and attended Worcester Junior College.
Mr. Collins was a co-founder of Packaging Technical Service in Oxford. He owned and managed Collins Service Center in Webster. He then was a project engineer at Baystate Abrasive Company in Westborough for 12 years, retiring in 1988.
He was a long time member of the former Webster Lodge of Elks #1466, serving as its treasurer and as a trustee. He then transferred to the Putnam Lodge of Elks #574. He was a former member of the Worcester Chapter of Plant Engineers.
Calling hours will be from 5:30 to 8:30 PM Wednesday, October 5, in Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street. A funeral service will be held at 8:00 PM during the calling hours. Burial will be at a later date at the convenience of the family. Flowers may be sent or donations in his name may be made to Tri-Valley Elder Services, Inc., 10 Mill St., Dudley, MA 01571.