Born in Chariton, Iowa, Collinson received an Artium Baccalaureus degree from Drury College in 1933 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri School of Law in 1935.
He was in the United States Navy towards the end of World War II, from 1944 to 1946 and became a lieutenant.
[1] On July 14, 1965, Collinson was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson to a joint seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri and the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri vacated by Judge Richard M. Duncan.
Collison was confirmed by the United States Senate on August 11, 1965, and received his commission the same day.
He assumed senior status on August 19, 1980, serving in that capacity until his death on June 1, 1995, in Springfield.