Claude Collins

Claude Collins, 75, passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2022.

Claude was born on Sunday, July 14, 1946 in Corbin, Kentucky to the late AC and Wilhelmina (Rowland) Collins and lived in the Norton area most of his life.

He graduated from Doylestown High School in 1964. Claude served in the United States National Guard for over 4 years and was Honorably Discharged. He received an Associate of Science degree in Law Enforcement at Kent State University. He received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Technical Education and Masters of Arts degree in Urban Studies with The University of Akron.

Appointed police officer with the Barberton Police Department in 1968, Claude served as a patrol officer, detective, Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, Detective Lieutenant Commander, and was appointed Chief of Police in 1992. He retired with 30 years of service in 1998. He went on to teach Criminal Justice at the University of Akron, instructed at local police academies, and later served as an Administrator for the City of Norton.
Claude was a student of history with a passion for law enforcement and justice. He was in the research stage and intended to write a book on the Barberton Police Department with a close friend. Claude enjoyed collecting, learning, traveling, and spending time with his beloved family.

Along with his parents, Claude is preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Collins; sister, Cleo Pond; and brother, Charles Collins. He is survived by his children, Sonja Nagel, Kelli (Brian) Williams, and Scott Collins; grandchildren, Shawn (Tara), Lauren, and Kristen; sisters, Rita (James) Krahl, Suda (John) Miller; great-granddaughter, Quinn; and many other loving family and friends.

Funeral Service will be 10:00 am, Monday, January 31, 2022 at Bacher-Moore Funeral Home (Norton), 3250 Greenwich Road, Norton, Ohio 44203. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the funeral home. Claude's final resting place will be Greenlawn Memorial Park in Akron, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Esther Ryan Shoe Fund c/o Barberton Community Foundation at 460 West Page Avenue, Barberton, OH, 44203.

You are invited to mooreffh.com to view Claude's tribute wall and offer condolences and share memories.