Donald F. Collins

Don Collins was born in Long Beach, California. He passed away comfortably in his home in Bakersfield at the age of 91.

After graduating high school in Houston TX, he attended New Mexico Military Institute, followed by the University of Texas. His education was interrupted when he joined the Army during WWII.

During his time in the service, he was offered the opportunity to study electrical engineering at New York University, which continued until the end of the war. Upon his release from the Army, he resumed his education at the University of California, Berkley, to complete his degree in Geology.

He began his career as a geologist for Shell Oil Company in Bakersfield in 1950. It was in Bakersfield where he met his future wife, Blanche Collins, who was a teacher at Arvin High School, and they were married in 1954. During his time with Shell Oil, they moved frequently, but eventually returned to Bakersfield in 1963. He retired from Shell Oil in 1972 and started working for Occidental Petroleum, until he retired in 1992. With Occidental, he had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout the world. After Blanche retired, she was able to travel with him on many of his business trips. After his retirement, they continued to travel frequently for pleasure, when not spending time with family and grandchildren, or working on his oil painting.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Blanche Collins in 2004, after 50 years of marriage. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Rebecca Collins of Bakersfield, his daughter and son-in-law Cathy and Mike Seguine, of Bakersfield and three granddaughters, Jessica Piffero (Ben Piffero) of Fresno and Katie and Emily Seguine of Santa Rosa.

The family would like to thank his private home care providers, Jackie, Reggie and Carolyn for their excellent and loving care of our father. It is with their help that Dad was able to realize his desire to spend his final days at home. We would also like to thank Dr. Robert Laughlin and his staff for their wonderful care of dad over the last several years.

Graveside services will be held Monday, April 25, at 10:45 AM at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 East Bear Mountain Blvd., Arvin, Ca.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.