Terry Joseph Collins

Terry J. Collins, of Chillicothe, died at Adena Regional Medical Center on Thursday, March 17, 2016.

He was born in Cincinnati on March 15, 1953, to the late Joan Collins Cole, and was raised in the Danville community by the late Burl and Mary Cole.

In 1972, he married Linda Shaffer Collins. He was the father of two children, Brice of Elyria and Amanda (Shanna Haybron) of Chillicothe. He was the proud grandfather of Nate Keiser.

Mr. Collins was a 1971 graduate of Hillsboro High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology with emphasis in corrections from Morehead State University and earned his master’s degree in correctional administration from Xavier University.

Mr. Collins retired from a 32-year career in the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. He began his career at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility (SOCF), then moved to London Correctional Institution. He served as a warden at Lorain Correctional Institution, returned to SOCF to aid in the rebuilding of the prison after the riots, then went on to Ross Correctional Institution. He moved to DRC Central Office and was eventually named Director of the Department of Rehabilitation & Correction by Governor Bob Taft in 2006. He was re-appointed by Governor Ted Strickland and served until his retirement in 2010. Upon his retirement, he became a consultant and continued to share his expertise with those in the corrections field. He also served as a trainer for the American Correctional Association.

In addition to his career, Terry was a devoted family man and loved watching his children and later his grandson compete on the athletic field. He was a great encourager of youth sports, having served as vice president of the London Area Baseball Council during his stint in London, Ohio. He enjoyed supporting youth baseball, basketball, football and track programs. No matter where he lived, he was in attendance at the local high school games.

Terry was a member of the American Correctional Association, the Ohio Correctional and Court Services Association, the National Association of Wardens and Superintendents, the Ohio Wardens and Superintendents Association, the Correctional Accreditation Association of Ohio, the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, Association of State Correctional Administrators and a past member of the Midwest Directors Association. He currently served on the Audit Committee for Adena Regional Medical Center.

Terry is survived by his wife, Linda; and their children Brice and Amanda, along with his grandson Nate Keiser. In addition, he is survived by sisters Missy Baker of Winchester and Mary Jo Collins and Diann Malone of Hillsboro. He was predeceased by his mother Joan Cole, Burl and Mary Cole and his sister Kim Rosenfeld.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Haller Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. Gary Sims officiating. Graveside services will follow at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Hillsboro Cemetery. Friends may call Monday from 5-8 p.m. at Haller’s.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial contributions be made to one of the following youth organizations: Unioto School Donation Fund, C/o Kingston Bank, 790 Western Ave. Chillicothe, Ohio 45601; The John Wolford Scholarship Fund, c/o John Wolford, 212 Belaire Dr., Lucasville, Ohio 45648; Midview Touchdown Club, PO Box 178, Grafton, Ohio 44044; or the London Area Baseball Council, PO Box 23, London, Ohio 43140.

His online guest book is available at www.HallerFuneralHome.com.