Caesar Collins Obituary

Collins, Caesar was born August 31, 1924, in Indianola, Mississippi. He was the 11th child born to the union of Elizabeth (Stewart) and Harvey Collins, Sr. In his youth, he worked on his father's farm, which interestingly enough was one of the few black-owned farms in the South. He was educated in his hometown and, as a young man, joined the U.S. Armed Forces – where he served for 2-1/2 years.

After his honorable discharge from the Service, Caesar joined his brothers in Chicago where they pursued their various business interests and became successful entrepreneurs. He was in the restaurant business for several years until he decided to make a career change, at which time he opened and operated an exterminating supply company.

Caesar was affiliated with the Lakeside Community Center for underprivileged children, as well as the YMCA both organizations to which he was a longstanding benefactor. Caesar was fond of music, particularly blues and jazz, and was one of the founders of the WVON radio station.

An avid golfer who played for the joy of the game, Caesar relished in many golf outings and Florida vacations with friends.

Mr. Collins is survived by his wife Mary Lou; daughter, Diane; sons, Caesar, Jr., Richard and Brian; several grandchildren, nieces, nephews and treasured friends.

Wake 11 a.m. Funeral 12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8, 2003 at A.A. Rayner Funeral Home, 318 East 71st Street, Chicago, Illinois. Interment Lincoln Cemetery. Visit Guest Book at www.suntimes.com