Birth date: Aug 10, 1947 Death date: Jul 16, 2023
Donald Glen Collins, 75, passed away July 16, 2023. Arrangements have been entrusted to Evergreen Mortuary, 3015 N Oracle Rd., Tucson, Arizona (520-888-7470). It was Donald's wish to have his ashes placed at the Arlington National Read Obituary
The Center High School Class of 1965 is saddened to learn of Don's passing. We thank him for his service to our Country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
So sorry to hear of Don's passing. We were blessed to have known Don and his family for the past 40 years. We have lost a good one. Our prayers go out to the entire Collins family. May he rest in peace and be pain-free. Bud and Beula Seaman
Freda Blake lit a candle in memory of Donald Collins
I was so sorry to hear that Don had passed. What an incredible human being! Even though he had to endure years of suffering from injuries he sustained protecting our country, he never gave up. Even in very dark hours when his pain levels were unbearable, he never gave up.
It was a privilege to get to know Don and Sandy, hear their story, and be inspired by the love that they share with one another.
As we pray for Don we can rest in the satisfaction that he is now at peace, not in pain, and with God in eternal love and happiness.
David Schmidt
Papa was a genuine and kind man. I will always be grateful to him for letting me live with them for a time and not only that, but also making me breakfast every morning while I was there!!❤️ That’s the type of man he was- always making everyone feel welcome and at home. Some of my favorite memories with papa was us trying to wrangle Maggie and Zoey for their walks :) I’d like to highlight the way all of the dogs adored him and always wanted to be around him too, because that is also a show of his character:feet::heart:
Don was an incredible man and an amazing human. One of the most honorable men I have ever known and I am truly blessed he approved and granted me his beautiful daughter’s hand in marriage. He invited me into his family and bestowed such love and generosity toward me ever since.
Don served in our nation’s military during the Vietnam War and received several commendations, citations, and awards - although arguably none more powerful than his Purple Heart. In April of 1967, Don was severely injury when a member of his platoon tripped a wire and a grenade fell next to him on the trail. Don lived for over 50 years with chronic acute pain and significantly diminished mobility and endured over 75 surgeries. I know very well I could not have ever walked a day in his shoes. And despite all this, Don was able to always place others before himself. With his beloved wife, Sandy, they raised two wonderful kids, Ronald and Dawn, who provided them with four amazing grandkids: Camden, Draven, Emily, and Trenton. To watch him with his grandkids over the years, especially on Christmas and Easter holidays, was something to behold…
Besides his enduring love for family, Don loved animals - especially dogs, as he had many…Zoey, Maggie, Rosie, and Dottie, just to name the few I knew. I was honored to be there to help assist him with these four along the way… from helping Zoey learn to swim to recently commencing Mobility Assist Canine training with his new Bernedoodle puppy, Dottie.
Don was the quintessential patriarch of his amazing family, as well as a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, etc., to his entire family and large circle of friends.
Don will ultimately be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery in Virgina. A very fitting resting place for this warrior and hero.
Rest easy at last fine sir… and finally enjoy a good run with all your dogs that have been awaiting your arrival 🙏🏻🙏🏻
