Jeffrey Kevin Collins

MSgt. Jeffrey K. Collins

Jeffrey K. Collins, MSgt, US Air Force (retired) of Portsmouth passed away Monday, May 16th while a resident at Symphony of Centerville Ohio nursing home. Jeff was born on the 27th of September 1955 to John B. and Agnes Collins, both now deceased. He graduated from Bloom Local High School, South Webster in 1974; Grand Rapids (MI) Baptist College with a bachelor's degree in Vocal Music in 1978; and he later received a master's degree from Webster University.

Jeff enlisted in the Air Force in 1982 and served as an Aircraft Communications and Navigation Systems Technician for the next 21 years. He was very proud of his work keeping large aircraft such as the C-5 and C-141 safely flying in support of vital airlift missions world-wide. Jeff served in assignments in Oklahoma, Japan, Idaho and Colorado and deployed to Operation Northern Watch in Turkey and Bright Star in Egypt. Achieving the rank of Master Sergeant, Jeff eventually retired back to Portsmouth.

His passions included enjoying listening to and playing a wide variety of music. He knew the lyrics to every Beatles song by heart and yet could play the most difficult Bach organ toccata on a multi-ranked pipe organ. He was in several musical productions at Shawnee State University during his time in Portsmouth. Prior to and following his military service, Jeff served several local churches as a musician and organist. His talents enhanced the worship at Central Church of Christ, (the former) First United Methodist Church, Evangelical United Church of Christ, and most recently Bigelow Church.

Jeff is survived by his daughter, Elspeth Moore, and two brothers: John (Carolyn) of West Portsmouth and JC (JoAnn) of Germantown, Ohio.

A Celebration of Life gathering on Friday May 21st, 2022, from 11:00 to 11:30.

Celebration of Life service at 11:30 all at F.C. Daehler Mortuary, 915 Ninth Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662. Pastor John Gowdy of Temple Baptist Church will lead the service, and Military Honors by the American Legion James Dickey Post #23.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for the Alzheimer's Association (ALZ.org).

Among the music Jeff loved, were the works of Johann S. Bach, who, when he completed composing a glorious piece of music signed the composition with the letters "SDG." So to the conclusion of Jeff's earthly life we add the letters "SDG" which represents "Soli Deo Gloria" meaning "Glory to God Alone."