Coba Odosky Collins

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Coba O. Collins was born in Claiborne County, Tennessee on October 31, 1917. She was the daughter of the late Robert Matthew Collins and Hulda (Tolliver) Collins. Coba was 93 years old at the time of her passing. She had been a patient at the Hospice, Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg. Coba grew up working the family farm and she married in 1934 at the age of 16 to Foister Keck. From this union came the birth of four children: Gene, L.M., Billy Ray, and Betty. The family moved to Michigan in 1948. Coba supported her family as a Nurse's Aide. She was employed from 1965 until her retirement in 1987 by Mercy Memorial Hospital. For more than fifty years Coba was a faithful member of the Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by a son: Billy Ray Keck; a daughter-in-law: Jean Keck; a brother: Conda Collins; and a great-great grandson: Gary A. Keck.
To cherish her memory Coba leaves three children: Eugene, (Gene) Keck of Monroe, L.M. (Faye) Keck of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Betty Keck of Monroe; two brothers: Robert Matthew (Hilda) Collins of Port Clinton, Ohio, and Raymond (Ann) Collins of New Tazewell, Tennessee; a sister-in-law: Mae Collins of Morristown, Tennessee; five grandchildren: Roger, Mark, Mike, Kenny, and David Keck; nine great grandchildren: Ryan, Danny, Lucas, Chad, Kaitlyn, Eric, Damon, Chelsea, and Brittney; and five great-great grandchildren.
Merkle Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Services were held at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Roy Southerland officiated. Claiborne=Overholt Funeral Home with Rev. Ken Cole officiating in Tazewell, TN.

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Coba married Foister Brown Henry Keck in 1934. Foister was born on 22 Sep 1917; died on 6 May 1981; was buried in Union Co, TN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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Eugene Keck was born in Tazewell, Tennessee on January 29, 1935. He was one of four children born from the union of Foister B. Keck and Coba O. (Collins) Keck. He met the love of his life, his future wife, the former Lillian "Jean" McDaniel while in the seventh grade at Lincoln School.

At the age of 17, Eugene began what would become a 34.5 year career with the Ford Motor Company. However, Gene, was soon fired for being too young, although he later returned once reaching the age of majority. He enlisted in the United States Army on August 4, 1953, honorably serving during the Korean War. On November 26, 1955, in Tazewell, Tennessee Gene and Jean were joined in marriage. He was discharged on May 1, 1956.

Gene spent his time at Ford in the transportation department. He often referred to himself as a high-priced errand boy, as his responsibilities involved running around for the Vice Presidents and Executives. He spent four years at the Monroe Stamping Plant before transferring to Rawsonville where he spent the next thirty years before retiring in 1995.

Eugene enjoyed challenging his mind and loved working with his hands. He was a talented woodworker and had even built the foundation and garage for his sister Betty and had helped to build Rogers home. He was a member of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church for many years.

In retirement, Gene visited Bob Evans several times each day. He also spent time at the Frenchtown Square Mall where he met old school friends, once a month.

Eugene Keck, age 88, of Monroe passed away on Thursday; February 2, 2023 at Seacrest Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. He had been under the care of Elara Caring Hospice. His passing was preceded by his parents: Foister and Coba Keck; his beloved wife: Lillian Jean Keck on May 24, 2010; a brother: Bill Keck; a sister: Betty Lou Keck on March 17, 2012; a great grandson: Gary Keck.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Tuesday; February 7, 2023 at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am on Wednesday; February 8, 2023 also at Merkle's. Pastor Roy Southerland will officiate. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.

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