Paul Edward Collins, 88, of Rochester, Illinois passed away in the company of his family on Monday January 12, 2026.

Paul was born on September 13, 1937 the son of Fredrick and Mary (Bretz) Collins.

He married Jo Ann Yeaman on November 14, 1959 in Springfield. Paul also served in the United States Navy.

Paul worked for Lincoln Land Community College for more than 32 years. He was a member of the Blue Ridge Club and the Elks Club of Springfield for many years. Paul was a master woodworker and loved to build all sorts of pieces for his family and friends. He had a passion for Cadillac Cars and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Paul was an especially kind and caring man.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father and 1 sister, Carol Striplin.

Paul is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Collins of Rochester; sons, Greg Collins (wife, Cheryl) of Rochester and Kevin Collins (wife, Janet) of Girard; grandchildren, Timothy Collins (wife, Liz), Ted Collins (wife, Krissy) and Mitchell Prather; great grandchildren, Millie Collins, Matthew Collins, Hailey Collins, Holly Jo Ann Collins; and brother-in-law, Charles Striplin.

Visitation will be held on Thursday January 15, 2026 at Wilson Park Funeral Home, 200 East Main St. Rochester, IL 62563 from 1pm till the time of the Funeral Service at 2pm.

Cremation services will be conducted after the funeral and Military Honors will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester is in charge of arrangements