Madison - Rev. Dr. Tom W. Collins, age 79, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at UW Hospital and Clinics. He was born on August 2, 1945, in Long Beach, Calif., the son of John and Mary (Shaw) Collins.

On August 26, 1967, Tom married Lynda Prenslow in Yakima, Wash. He graduated from North Park Seminary in Chicago, Ill and was ordained in 1971 and in the 1980's, received his doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calf. Tom's passion was being a pastor and sharing the joy of God's love to all. He had the privilege of pastoring within several Evangelical Covenant Churches in Walnut Creek, Calif., Owatonna, Minn., Columbus, Ohio, Houston Texas, (where he established five churches), Kirkland, Wash., Lawrenceville, Ga., Chicago, Ill., and Lakewood, Colo. After retiring in 2005, Tom and Lynda moved to Madison to be near their grandchildren. In Tom’s free time, he enjoyed playing tennis, and was an avid woodworker. Several of the pieces he crafted are now cherished family keepsakes.

Tom is survived by his sons, Jason (Charis) Collins and Gregory (Laurie) Collins; grandchildren, Carter Gross, Mackenzie (Jacob) Munson, Jack Boyle, Ellie Collins and Owain Collins; great-grandchild, Charlotte Anne Munson; brothers, Leonard (Betsy) Collins and Wesley Collins; and many other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lynda Collins; brothers, Harold (Frieda) Collins and Johnny Collins; and grandchild, Hope Gross.

A celebration of life will be held at the Community Room within the JUNCTION POINT CONDOMINIUMS, 301 Harbour Town Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761

Rev. Dr. Tom W. Collins

August 02, 1945 - November 10, 2024

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