Collins, George Washington, 1925-1972

George Washington Collins (March 5, 1925 – December 8, 1972) was an American politician. Collins was a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois. Collins served from November 1970 until he was killed in a plane crash on December 8, 1972 in Chicago, Illinois at age 47.

Collins was born in Chicago, grew up on the near-north side, and attended Waller High School (now known as Lincoln Park High School). After high school, Collins served with the Army engineers in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war, Collins held positions with the Cook County sheriff's department, the Municipal Court system, and the Board of Health, and as administrative assistant to health commissioner prior to being sent to Congress. Collins studied business law at Northwestern University before entering into politics. From 1964–1970, Collins served as a member of the Chicago city council, becoming an alderman in the 24th ward to replace the murdered Benjamin F. Lewis. Collins was then elected to fill the vacancy caused by the death of U.S. Rep. Daniel J. Ronan and reelected to the succeeding Congress and served until his death.

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