Storke Funeral Home Obituaries

Herbert Ridgeway Collins, 91 of “Green Falls” in Caroline County, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Son of the late William Joseph Collins II and Dorothea Campbell Collins, Herb was a preservationist, historian and author; but more importantly, he was a proud “son” and strong advocate of Caroline County. After graduating from college, Herb served in the United States Army before beginning his long career at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC. He is credited with founding the National Postal Museum as well other entities there. He retired in 1991 as Curator Emeritus, Smithsonian Institution. Herb authored over 20 books during his lifetime and had others planned. He was a passionate supporter of the Caroline Library, the Caroline Historical Society and Historic Port Royal, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1995. He donated his time, talents and treasures to each. He especially loved and had a soft spot in his heart for the Town of Port Royal and he will be forever remembered for his generosity to Historic Port Royal, Inc. and its mission. In addition to his parents, Herb is also preceded in death by his brother, William Joseph “Joe” Collins, III. He is survived by several cousins and numerous friends that he considered family. A viewing and visitation will be held on Thursday, October 26^th at the Bowling Green chapel of Storke Funeral Home from 6:00 – 8:00pm. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 27^th at 11:00am in the pavilion at Greenlawn Cemetery, Bowling Green. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Historic Port Royal, Inc. P.O. Box 233 Port Royal VA 22535. www.storkefuneralhome.com