“Going Home”
Charlie went home to be with the Lord on Fri., May 4, 2007, after a lengthy illness. He leaves a loving family: Wife Betty Collins (Gorman), Daughter Carolyn Collins Bailey and son-in-law Mike Bailey, Daughter Elaine Collins Buck and son-in-law Kevin Buck, both of Morgan Hill. Grandchildren: Kari Wakefield Smith and Bill Smith of Fernley, NV, Matthew Buck and Kittie Buck both of Morgan Hill. Great-Grandchildren: Jeffrey Wakefield Ysit and Luke Smith both of Fernley, NV. Sisters: Shirlene Young and Bobbie Bair both of Merced. Sisters-in-law: Ruth Sargent of Fair Oaks, Louise Collins of Hanford, Laverne Gorman, June Gorman and Lola Gorman all from Gilroy. Brothers-in-law: Joseph Gorman, Ron Gorman both of Gilroy, Marland Gorman of Genoa, NV, Fred Gorman of Caldwell, ID.
Those waiting on the other shore to meet him are: Mother, Bertha Collins; Father, Chick Collins; Brother, Leroy Collins; Mother-in-law, Kittie Gorman; Brothers-in-law, Bud Gorman, Bob Young, John Bair, Cliff Sargent, Charlie Gorman; Sisters-in-law, Marie Gorman and Betty Gorman.
He leaves many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Charlie & Betty have been in this area for many years. Charlie attended San Martin Grammar School when Mr. Ferguson was principal, while Betty was at the Morgan Hill Grammar School. Both attended Live Oak High when Mr. Pine was principal. Thanks to Katherine Sheldon (English teacher) for encouraging Betty to catch that “tall, dark and handsome guy”, they became “sweethearts”. Afterwards telling Betty “you caught him” On Nov. 13th, 2007 they would have been married 58 wonderful years!
Charlie spent many years on the corner of Monterey Hwy and 5th St (next to M.H. Grammar School) at his Shell Service Station, when gas sold for 19 cents a gallon. The year of 1964 was when Charlie had the station and also started up Charlie Collins Trucking. He sold the Shell Station to his good friend, Earl Bradford, and continued with Collins Trucking at 2100 San Pedro Ave. in MH. He and Betty ran the business for 30 some years. Daughter, Elaine took over the office management and Betty played with the grandchildren. Charlie finally retired in 1998, leaving his beautiful trucks which he took much pride in. Serving the people of Morgan Hill, Gilroy & the four Western States in hazardous materials hauling and also locally. He enjoyed his customers and was noted for always being honest and fair. He missed them so much after retiring. He made many long lasting friends.
With the help of Orin Santos, who kept the motors purring, working 12-15 hrs most days, 7 days a week became a little much, especially after his first heart attack. He needed to slow down, “Could not keep on truckin'”.
Charlie and Betty had many good years before his illness took over. They enjoyed trips to Oklahoma each summer where both were born. Driving cross country to the east coast, enjoying our beautiful country with brother-in-law and sister-in-law Joe and Laverne Gorman. Many games of dominos with family was a favorite past-time of Charlie’s.
Charlie was a member of the First Baptist Church of Gilroy, a member of Morgan Hill Masonic Lodge #463. He enjoyed being a Shriner in his younger years, working for the well being of the Special Children at the Shriner’s Hospital. He also was a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of San Jose, as well as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star #342. He made many precious and loving friends which included the special ladies of Daughter’s of the Nile, which Betty was a part of. He loved them all.
We are thankful for the 58 years together, enjoying our family, our church, friends and relatives. He loved his family so much and wanted the best for all. “Family comes first” was his motto.
We can see him now driving that 18-wheeler..SMILING..Coming Home to us. Now he’s smiling and so happy knowing he’s Going Home, Going Home to be with God!
A viewing will take place Wed. from 5 P.M. at Habing Family Funeral Home. Funeral services Thursday 1
P.M. at Gilroy First Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to be made in memory of Charlie to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children.
