David Lee Collins, 84, Yates Center, passed away Thursday, Oct. 2, 2014, at the local Deseret Health and Rehabilitation Center.
David was born Oct. 6, 1929, in El Dorado, the son of John Michael and Lucy Elizabeth (Wilson) Collins. He grew up in Rosalia. Soon the family moved back to the Woodson County area and settled in rural Piqua. He attended Woodson County schools and graduated from Yates Center High School. After high school David entered the U.S. Navy and remained active in the service until 1952. He then went on to further his education at Kansas State University, where he graduated with a degree in electrical engineering.
After completing his education David met Opal (Dickey) Brown and the couple was married Nov. 5, 1960, in Independence. With his new marriage came the new responsibility of parenthood; David gained a stepson, Terry Brown. David and Opal were married for nearly 50 years before her death on May 22, 2007. David was a member of First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, he was also a past member of the local American Legion as well as the VFW, all of Yates Center.
David Lee Collins was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Opal, in 2007; siblings, William “Bill” Collins, Donna Eisenbart and Marcella Dixon.
He is survived by his step-son, Terry Brown and wife Mary Anna of Independence; his siblings, Robert “Ike” Collins of Piqua, Martha Cook of Yates Center and Glen Collins and wife Connie, also of Piqua. David also is survived by three grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for David Lee Collins are planned for 10 a.m. Tuesday at Campbell Funeral Home, Yates Center.
The family will meet with friends this evening from 6 to 7:30 at the funeral home.
Burial with military honors will take place at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Jefferson Cemetery, Independence. The family suggests memorials be made to First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, the Yates Center Senior Center or Harry Hynes Hospice.
Memorials may be sent in care of Campbell Funeral Home, P.O. Box 188 Yates Center, KS 66783.
David Collins
