Obituaries: Austin, Collins

Kipp Austin (Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home)

Kipp Austin

BLOOMINGTON – Kipp C. Austin, 64, of Bloomington, passed away at 8:48 p.m., Thursday, November 1, 2018 in Bloomington.

A Celebration of Kipp’s Life will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m., Saturday, November 10, 2018 in the Gathering Room at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home in Bloomington.  Military rites will begin the celebration at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association or your local Veterans Hospital or Clinic.

Kipp was born December 2, 1953 in Jackson, Michigan, the son of Clifford and Dorothy Bohner Austin.  He married Sylvia Knickerbocker on September 11, 1992 in Marshall, Michigan.  She survives.

He is also survived by two sons, Zachary (Amy) Austin of Alto, MI and William Knickerbocker, III of Crest Hill; and one daughter, Crystal Knickerbocker of Bloomington; six grandchildren, Addyson and Kathryn Austin; Aiden and Madison Knickerbocker and Ilene Norton; and William Knickerbocker, IV; a sister, Marliene Porter and a brother, Matthew Austin, both of Jackson, MI; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Kipp was a decorated Vietnam Veteran, serving as a US Army Green Beret.  He received the Good Conduct Medal, the Parachute Badge, the Master Parachute Badge and the National Defense Service Medal.

Kipp worked as an over-the-road truck driver, most recently with Circle K.  He was a people person and never met a stranger.  He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.

To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.

Donald Collins (Duffy-Pils Memorial Home)

Donald Collins

FAIRBURY – Donald Collins, 72, of Fairbury passed away 9:27 p.m., Saturday, November 3, 2018, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Cremation rites have been accorded.  Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital.

Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.

Donald was born April 12, 1946, in Athens County, OH, the son of Calvin and Mable Zickafoose Collins.

He married Mae Collins on October 19, 1968. She passed away November 30, 2017.

Surviving are his children, Shane (Michelle) Collins and Gina (Dave Icenogle) Collins both of Fairbury, Carrie (Adam) Followell of Forrest, and Heather (Jack) Collins of Fairbury; grandchildren, Dustin Collins, Treaver Bazzell, Tyler Followell, Chase (Randi) Collins, Jesse Bazzell, Trenton Followell, Alex Collins, Miranda Collins, Tate Followell, Morgan Collins, Mable Collins, Madelyn Collins; great-grandchildren, Ryan Collins, Emmerson Followell, and Eli Followell.

Donald was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert “Bobby”, Chester “Buck”, Jack, John, Richard, Henry, Fred, and Bill; sisters, Bertha Joseph and Betty German.

Don graduated from Waterloo High School in Ohio where he participated in basketball, track, and marching band.

He was a machinist for Caterpillar Tractor Company. After he retired, he repaired washers and dryers.

He was a steward and a member of the UAW Local 2096, Pontiac and a member of the Midnight Striker Bowling Team, APA Bowling League, and ACA Pool League.

Donald was a man who put your needs before his and was always willing to lend a hand, even though you didn’t need it.

His life is his story.

An online registry is available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.

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