Fred Collins

Leon Frederick Collins IV was born November 24, 1952 to Peggy Jo (Smith) and Leon Fredick Collins III in Texarkana, TX. He passed from this life on August 14, 2023 at the age of 70.
Fred was a graduate of Comanche High School in the class of 1971. Upon graduation he attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Speech Communications and Government before earning his Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University in 1978 and a Master's Degree in Speech Communications in 2019 from Oklahoma University. On June 20, 1981 Fred married Mary Lee (Klein) in Ardmore, OK. From this marriage they had two children, Noel and Amy. They made their home in Ardmore where Fred began his career as an Assistant District Attorney before becoming Ardmore's District Attorney. In 1994 Fred ran for Oklahoma State Attorney General before transitioning into private practice which he maintained for 30 years as a public defender. He and Mary Lee became members of the First Baptist Church where Fred taught Sunday School classes for many years. Fred taught government, public speaking, and criminal justice for Murray State College as a full professor.
Fred was a man who was not afraid to take anyone to the debate stage on many different topics. He shared his skill and his passion with his many students over the years. Fred also enjoyed his time as a referee for the OSSAA in football and basketball, having completed his 31st year of refereeing Oklahoma State High School Football. Fred was active in the local community theater having served on the board of directors for both the Ardmore Little Theatre and the Oklahoma Community Theatre Association. Fred served faithfully on many boards of directors including the Ardmore YMCA, the State Mental Health Board, and The March of Dimes. On Friday nights he was known to light up the local karaoke stage with his legendary renditions of Willie Nelson and the Eagles.
Fred was preceded in death by parents Peggy Jo (PJ) and Leon Fredrick Collins II; and grandson Nathan McElhiney.
He is survived by his wife Mary Lee Collins; son Noel Collins and his wife Angie of Ardmore; Amy Newman and her husband Justin of Lone Grove; brother Lloyd Andrew Collins of Duncan; sister Jodi Shirley of Henderson, Nevada; grandchildren Evelyn, Piper; Kileigh, Kristen, and Kaliah; and great-grandson Nikoly.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, August 19th at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Ardmore with Dr. Alton Fannin officiating. Interment will follow at Rosehill Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, August 18th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Craddock Funeral Home.
Noel Collins, Justin Newman, Andrew Collins, Michael Hisey, Lee Card, and Randy Simmons will serve as pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers are Brian Gunter, Ronald Worthen, Larry Darter, Mike Strawn, Randy Tabler, Paul White, LD Darter, and Jess Cross.
Memorials may be sent to the March of Dimes or the charity of your choice.