Sam Forse Collins

1928 - 2021

Sam Forse Collins-beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and civil servant- passed away on November 3, 2021 at his home in Newton, Texas at the age of 93. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on June 9, 1928 to Sam Cody Collins and Onie Lelee Forse Collins. The collins family, however, did not stay long in Louisiana but instead moved to Newton, Onie's Lelee's hometown, where her parents, Judge John B. Forse and Onie Meador Forse lived. The Forse's were delighted to have their first grandchild and his parents back in Newton. In fact, rumor has it that Sam Forse was rather spoiled for a while until he had to share his grandparents with his cousins, Burton and Patricia Forse! Over 93 years he developed life-long friendships, including his best friend, Titter Stansbury Hogan.

After graduating from Newton High School in 1956, he first attended college at Stephen F. Austin and then at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. After graduating from Baylor, with the Korean hostilities brewing, he joined the U. S. Air Force in 1950 and initially trained at Lackland Field in San Antonio. He was then transferred close to Denton, Texas where he met a lovely young woman, Doris Shofner from Memphis, Tennessee. they married and moved to el Paso, Texas where Sam was stationed. In august 1954 their daughter, Sherri, was born. In February of 1955, Sam, Doris, and baby Sherri came to Newton for a visit, and on their way home, they were involved in an automobile-train accident during foggy weather. Sam and Sherri survived, but unfortunately Doris passed away.

Sam and Sherri came home to Newton, where Sam worked at Collins Motor Co. for a short time before running for a Texas State Representative's seat. After his first win, he went on to win two more times before going to work with the Sabin River Authority. By this time, he had met another wonderful young woman, Sue Johnson and they were married in July 1963. With their three daughters, Sherri, Kay and Kristi, the family was complete.

Sam worked for the Sabin River Authority for 35 years where he ultimately became the general manager and loved the people he worked with. After retiring he spent more time in another area dear to his heart- the Newton Historical Society.

With great gusto. he announced the Newton Eagle Football games for 57 years where he became known as the "Voice of the Eagles." Recently he, Titter Hogan and Bessy Fortenberry rode in the 2021 Newton Homecoming parade to celebrate their 75th high school reunion.

Survivors of Sam Forse Collins: Children: Sherri and husband Jeff Weeks of Plano, TX, Kay Jones of Newton, Tx and Kristi and husband, Buddy Staley of Newton, TX. Grandchildren: Cody Jones and wife, LaDonna, Laci and Nikki Weeks, Addison Staley, Sam Weeks, and Hope Staley. Great Grandchildren: Kambri Jones, Aiden Weeks, Kynslee Jones, and Andre Amie. Brother: John Collins and wife Sally from Dallas, TX, Sister: Beth and husband, Charles Lazenby from Pt. Arthur, TX.

Preceded in death: Parents, Sam and Onie Lela Collins, Doris Collins, fist wife and Sue Collins, second wife.

We all love you and will never forget you and all the lessons you've taught us!

The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to Olive Branch Hospice and Consolidated Healthcare and the attentive care sitters for their unconditional service and love during our time of need.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of the following, Newton Cemetery Association (551 fm 2626, Newton, Tx 75966), Newton Historical Society (213 E Court Star., Newton, TX 75966), Newton Eagle Athletic Booster Club (P O Box 21, Newton, Tx 75966) or Olive Branch Hospice (2051 S Wheeler Star. Suite E, Jasper, TX 75951).

Visitation will be on Friday, November 5th from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Smith Funeral Home in Newton, Tx.

Celebration of Life Service will be on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 2:00 pm at the First Methodist Church in Newton, Texas.