Shelby Gene Collins, 73, of Sunman, Indiana died Thursday, July 1, 2010 at Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. The son of Ethel Collins, he was born September 5, 1936 in Whitesburg, Kentucky. In 1970 he married Callie Boggs, and she survives. Years ago he owned the B & C Service Center and Gas Station in Brookville. His sons shared that when they were young they would work with him there during the summers. He worked as a loader operator and supervisor for the Martin-Marietta Aggregate Company for 18 years from which he retired in 1997. After that he worked for both Tri-State Ambulance and Catch-A-Ride; jobs he truly enjoyed as he loved helping the elderly. Most recently he worked as a guard for J & J Packaging. Mr. Collins loved life and was a good man that believed in working hard. He had worked right up to his hospitalization just two weeks ago. He enjoyed playing golf and being outdoors, especially camping, coon hunting, and fishing. He loved birds and enjoyed watching them and caring for them, having many feeders throughout his yard. He was an avid sports fan, especially of football. He also loved to eat. When his boys were young he was very active in coaching their little league baseball teams. He was a patriotic man that loved his country and his children said he would be proud to be buried on the 4th of July holiday. His family shared that he was an amazing man and that if you hadn't had the chance to know him that you'd really missed out on something special. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Callie Collins of Sunman, Indiana; Son and Daughter-in-law, Gene and Glenda Collins of Coeburn, Virginia; Son, Hoagie Collins of Whitesburg, Kentucky; Son and Daughter-in-law, Allen and Bonnie Collins of West Harrison, Indiana; Son and Daughter-in-law, Rick and Susie Collins of Sunman, Indiana; and Son and Daughter-in-law, Dwayne and Connie Collins of Osgood, Indiana; Aunt, Ruby Collins, of Sunman, Indiana and Uncle, Arlie Collins, of Greensburg, Indiana whom he grew up with and who were like siblings to him; and 15 Grandchildren and 13 Great-grandchildren. In addition to his mother, Ethel Collins, he was preceded in death by his aunt, Cora Morton, who raised him and was like a mother to him. The visitation will be Monday, July 5, 2010 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Cook Funeral Home, 107 Vine Street, Sunman, Indiana. The funeral service will also be on Monday, July 5, 2010 immediately following the visitation at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Paul Gangloff, Pastor of Church on Fire in Harrison, Ohio, will officiate. Janet Gangloff will be singing as well as providing the eulogy on behalf of Shelby's children. Burial will follow in Little Memory Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to the family. Pallbearers will be grandsons Chad Collins, Eddie Collins, Jeremy Collins, Blake Collins, Brady Collins, and Gordon Watkins.