Thomas Blalock Collins Sr

Thomas Blalock Collins, Sr, of Carmel, Indiana, passed away on May 7, 2024. He was born on February 5, 1945, in Greensboro, NC. Tom will be remembered for his sense of adventure and love of his family. He was a Navy Reserve officer who worked in Information Technology for the government during the Vietnam War, then later at Air Products and Chemicals in Allentown, Pennsylvania; Cookson Group in Providence, Rhode Island; the State of Rhode Island; and the city of Springfield, Massachusetts.

Tom was a loving family man survived by his wife of 56 years, Suzanne Brilmyer Collins, his son Thomas Collins, Jr, his daughter Kristin (Aaron) Kohn, grandchildren Elijah Kohn and Maris Kohn; and his brother, Jerry (Lisha) Collins of Hutchinson, KS. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Mabel Blalock Collins and Arthur Jesse Collins Jr, and his younger brother Michael Collins.

Tom graduated from Hutchinson High School and attended Westminster College in Missouri where he met his wife Suzanne. He went on to earn a B.A. in Chemistry from the University of Kansas, then an MBA from Wharton. He attended US Navy OCS before being assigned to work as an Information Technology Officer for the US Government during Vietnam. Following that assignment, he moved to Allentown to work for Air Products as a Manager of Information Services.  Allentown is where he raised his family and enjoyed sailing and playing bridge with friends. He enjoyed traveling for his work, which took him across the United States and overseas, returning with tales and treasures for his family.  

Tom was an enthusiastic mentor to his children. He was very proud and supportive of their entrepreneurial endeavors, Thomas Jr. started several successful tech companies in Arizona and California, and Kristin opened a flourishing retail business in the Indianapolis area.

Following a 20-year career with Air Products, Tom and Suzanne moved to Providence where Tom worked as the CIO of Cookson Group.  They lived on Narragansett Bay and enjoyed sailing with the Edgewood Yacht Club, hosting out-of-town friends, and traveling. He especially enjoyed vacationing and snorkeling in Grand Cayman with his family, including his grandchildren. 

Upon retirement, Tom and Suzanne moved to Indianapolis to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. They were an active part of their lives and enjoyed the many birthday and holiday celebrations together, as well as attending their theater and musical performances.

Tom was an exceptionally loving husband, father, and grandfather, always encouraging his family to lead big lives, which they will continue to do in his memory.

A private celebration of life will be planned by the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom’s memory can be made to WFYI Public Radio (wfyi.org) or The Patachou Foundation (thepatachoufoundation.org).