AUBURN — John H. Collins, 79, of Greene, died Thursday, Dec. 16, at Clover Living Center, following a long illness.

He was born in Auburn, May 1, 1931, the son of the late Frank and Elizabeth (Driscoll) Collins.

He was a graduate of Edward Little High School, Class of 1949, and the State Barber School in Portland in 1950. He honorably served his country in the U.S. Army stationed in Korea at the end of the Korean conflict.

On Jan. 24, 1957, he married the love of his life, Claire (Peterson), and they spent 53 wonderful years together. They were not only husband and wife, but lifelong best friends.

John was a barber for most of his life, owning and operating Collins Barber Shop on Court Street in Auburn for 43 years until his retirement in 1993.

He was a volunteer fireman for the town of Greene for 40 years, and a member of the Auburn Police Reserves for 23 1/2 years, ending his service as the Chief. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and the Republican National Committee.

John enjoyed watching the Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics, and his weekly luncheons with friends, Jim, Bob and Terry.

He is survived by his wife, Claire, of Greene; a sister, Mary Ann Jackman and her husband, Arthur, of Minot; a brother-in-law, Alden Peterson of Greene; friends, Gloria and Terry Delano of Auburn and Jim and Alex Bouchles of Auburn and Florida; as well as several nieces and nephews.

John was predeceased by two sisters and their husbands, Elizabeth Price and her husband, Robert and Margaret Keene and her husband, Donald.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caring staff of Clover Living Center and the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice staff who showed so much love for John in his final journey.

Condolences to the family may be sent through the funeral home website at: www.plummerfh.com.