John William Collins

John Williams Collins, 90, of Frederick, MD, passed on Sunday August 13, 2023. Born in Frederick on April 14, 1933 to the late Funston Vanyu and Clarabelle Ann (Nichols) Collins. John graduated from Morgan State University with a BS in Analytical Chemistry. He would go on to work for the Department of Agriculture. He would later work for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing as a chemist. Through his job, he traveled to various countries around the world. John would eventually retire from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing after 50 years. John served in the United States Army. He was also a brother of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, Beta Alpha Chapter. John enjoyed photography, always carrying his camera to take photos at every opportunity, as well as painting. He had a love for listening to classical and jazz music. He was known by the neighborhood kids as his son gave him the name of “Big John.” He is survived by his children; Ave Holland, Yvette Collins, Samone Collins, Monique Shern, and Joel Shern (Jenny), his grandchildren; Andrea Tyre, T’Andre Tyre, Thomas Onley, Jr., Jared Onley, Mia Cooper, John McBride, Mikaylah Collins, and Gabrielle Collins, great-grandchildren; Braxton Tucker and Sage Beard-Onley, his siblings; Betty Culbreath and Col. Ret. Robert Collins, former wife Placid A. Collins and numerous other extended family members. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his son Dana Collins and his sister Ruth A. Dredden Family and friends can gather at the Keeney and Basford Funeral Homes, P.A., 106 East Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701, on Thursday August 17, 2023 from 4pm to 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 118 East 2nd Street, Frederick, MD 21701 on Friday August 18, 2023 at 10am. Interment to follow the Mass. Online condolences can be made at www.KeeneyBasford.com