Darrell B. Collins, age 94, of Wooster and formerly of Marion, went to be with his Lord and his wife on Monday morning, January 3, 2011, at West View Manor Nursing Home in Wooster.
Darrell was born on January 18, 1916, in Marion County, near Waldo, the son of the late Stanley and Elpha (Kerr) Collins.
For his 25th birthday, Darrell received the best gift of his life, marrying Vera E. Mahaffey on January 18, 1941. Together they shared over sixty-five wonderful years of marriage. She preceded him in death on June 8, 2006.
In May of 1942, Darrell joined his fellow countrymen in the fight of World War II, enlisting in the U. S. Army Air Corps. He served for three and a half years, and was blessed to have his son born at the Army base while he was stationed in Myrtle Beach.
Upon his honorable discharge, Darrell returned to Marion to work as an auto mechanic at the Army Depot, east of town. The Depot later became part of the U.S. General Services Administration, from where he would retire. After retiring, he worked part time with Kimbler’s Auto Service for several years.
A man of faith, Darrell was an active member of Trinity Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee and was a member of their Radar Sunday School Class.
With a love for the outdoors, Darrell enjoyed camping as often as he could. He went to countless places to camp, but he most frequented the Delaware Dam area, where he enjoyed water skiing with his family and friends. He was a member of the National Campers and Hikers Association, United Commercial Travelers, and the Good Sam Club.
Always hard at work, Darrell often would work on the automobiles of his family and friends in his garage at home at night and on weekends. He helped whenever he could, and he wanted to help provide the best life possible for his wife and son.
For years, Darrell enjoyed the company of his canine companion, “Barney”, a Boston terrier. Never getting another dog, Barney was irreplaceable to Darrell.
Darrell will be dearly missed by his loving son and daughter-in-law, Darrell B. II and Marlene Collins of Apple Creek; three grandchildren: Dianne (Joseph) Kremer, Sean (Cindi) Collins, and Beth (Matt) Schiffli, and their families.
Including his wife and parents, Darrell was preceded in death by his brother, Robert “Bob” Collins; two sisters: Vana Rinehart and Ruth “Lavon” Crissinger; and a nephew who was like a son to Darrell and Vera, Richard “Dick” Turner.
The Collins family will greet friends from 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday, January 7, 2011, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services celebrating his life will also be held there on Saturday at 10:00 a.m., with Dr. Richard Farmer officiating. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.
His family would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone at West View Manor for their tender care of Darrell (Grandpa).
Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Baptist Church, 244 S. Main St., Marion, Ohio 43302.
For those wishing to express their private condolences to Darrell’s family, you may do so online by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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