Marion Collins

Marion H. Collins, age 85, passed away peacefully on Monday June 11th surrounded by his family. He was born April 28, 1933 to Clarence Herbert and Nell Tatum Collins in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. He graduated with a degree in Chemistry and Mathematics from Middle Tennessee State College and was involved in numerous activities including wrestling and Army ROTC, he was even the Grand Marshall of the Homecoming Parade. After graduation, he was commissioned in the US Army as a Second Lieutenant.

His military career brought him to Kyle, Texas for flight training where he met the love of his life, Alice Marie Frits, and they married after a whirlwind courtship. That love was evident throughout their 62-year marriage. His military career took them around the world and they were blessed with 4 children during those years. He served in conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, as well as humanitarian efforts in Nicaragua flying helicopters and fixed wing aircraft and was a Master Aviator. He was able to be ever present with his kids during those years via letters and tapes from overseas. He was awarded numerous medals for his service and bravery in wartime including The Bronze Star and The Distinguished Flying Cross.

Retiring from the army after 22 years, he continued his work as a Veteran's Employment counselor and he was most proud to wear his Veteran's hat everywhere he went.

"Buck" and Alice continued to travel the world after retirement, and were part of an RV travel club, The Blue Jays, that took them all over the United States as well. They had many adventures and made lifelong friends along the way.

Most of all, Buck loved his family. He emphasized education to his kids, even going back to school after his 3rd child and getting his masters from The University of Tennessee. He coached his son's baseball teams and would cheer on either the Longhorns or the Aggies depending on where his most recent child was attending college. He was an avid golfer and his last 2 homes backed up to the course so he could have easy access!

He was blessed with 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren and he loved them dearly. He always took the time to let his kids and grandkids know how much they meant to him with his signature sappy greeting cards. He and Alice carted them to Disneyworld and campgrounds whenever they could until his health no longer allowed it. Even then, he was an encourager in all their endeavors, but might not let you win in arm wrestling even in his 80's.

The end of his life he struggled with Alzheimer's, but he fought hard and somehow, he was able to continue to the end with his sense of humor and genuine expressions of love especially to his wife and caretaker, Alice. He will be deeply missed by her, and his 4children: daughter Connie and her husband Michael Eshelman of The Woodlands, daughter Terri Tomlinson also of The Woodlands, son Michael and his wife Dana of Austin, and youngest daughter Melanie and her husband Michael Andreo also of Austin.

Also left to miss their beloved PopPop are Ryan Eshelman, wife Tiffany and their 2 daughters Ellie and Claire from Katy; Kyle Eshelman, wife Whitney and their son Calvin of Encinitas, California; Colin Eshelman and his wife Lyndsey of Denver, Colorado; Austin Tomlinson of Houston, Hannah and Madison Collins and Matthew and Cary Andreo all of Austin; as well as his nieces and nephews from Tennessee.

He will join his beloved family that preceded him in death, his parents, brothers Leon and Raymond and his sister Lucille.

A visitation with family at 9am on Wednesday June 20th at the Harper- Talasek Funeral Home 900 W. Barton Ave, Temple, Texas. Funeral Services will begin at 10am in their chapel. Military burial honors will be held following the service at Bellwood Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in his honor to: Disabled American Veterans at DAV.org

Visitation

Harper-Talasek Funeral Home
500 West Barton Avenue
Temple, TX  76501
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
9:00 a.m.

Service

Funeral Service

HarperTalasek Funeral Home
500 West Barton Avenue
Temple, TX  76501
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Bellwood Memorial Park
8575 Airport Road
Temple, TX  76504

Memorial Contributions

Disabled American Veterans