Merlin F. Collins Jr., 68, of Princeton passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 in Princeton.

He was born on July 27, 1945 in Ann Arbor, MI to Merlin F. Collins, Sr. and JoAnne (Trace) Collins.

He was a U.S. Government meat inspector for 37 years. He was a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and a life member of the VFW Post #1147 and a member of the American Legion. 

He is survived by his wife, Pepper Collins of Princeton; mother, JoAnne Collins of Princeton; 2 daughters, Jamie Lynn Meyer of Princeton and Charity Dawn Bush of Paducah, KY; 5 grandchildren; 2 sisters, Denise (Cody) Hull of Princeton and Melinda (Dean) Bolter of Minnesota; and a nephew, Matthew Heldt of Phoenix, AZ. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Merlin Collins Sr.; and a son, Ryan Sean Collins. 

Graveside Services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at Columbia White Church Cemetery in Princeton. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery. Burial will follow.

There will be no visitation. Military graveside services will be conducted by retired military veterans. Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton is in charge of arrangements.