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LARRY COLLINS Obituary
July 3, 1936 - February 12, 2013
LTCOL Larry M. Collins, 76, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday at 1:45 am, while surrounded by the love from his family.
Larry Collins was born and raised in Southern Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents; WWII Army Veteran Jason J. and Genevieve M., and sister, Brenda Blume. He adored his father and followed in his footsteps. After graduating from Marion High School, he attended the University of Colorado at Boulder on a NROTC scholarship. He was commissioned in 1958 and attended Officer and Naval Flight Training. He was a proud Naval Aviator and pilot of F-9, F-11 and T-2J Buckeye Jets and UH-34 Sea Horse Helicopters.
LTCOL Collins was a proud American, an officer and gentlemen. Serving his country for 26 years in the Marine Corp. he was highly decorated for his service. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart while at war in Vietnam, and served as Commanding Officer, Operations Officer and Executive Officers in West Pac tour of Japan, Hawaii, and California. He retired with the rank of LTCOL from El Toro 1 July 1984.
LTCOL Collins was an active member of the Republican Party. He served the community of Laguna Woods for ten years as a Security Officer and Vice President of the Republican Club beside his dearest friend, Shirley Morgan , President. He also was the Web Master for the Rush Limbaugh club. Larry was appointed to the Veterans Advisory Council and worked with Chris Cox and John Campbell. He was recognized as Veteran of the Year in 2008 by Mimi Walters.
LTCOL Collins was a Christian man of great integrity, honor and true grit. He identified so well with his hero Don Quixote…
"To dream the impossible dream ... To fight the unbeatable foe ... To bear with unbearable sorrow…To run where the brave dare not go ... To right the unrightable wrong ...To love pure and chaste from afar … To try when your arms are too weary ...To reach ... the unreachable star"
LTCOL Larry M. Collins will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community.
He is survived by his four daughters, Kim Collins, Kelly Brannon, Krista Hodgman and Kathy Taylor and their husbands, Jim, Scott and Tom, Grand sons: Kirk, Caleb, Zachary, Breyden, Cortland, Jacob, Kyle and Henry. Grand daughters: Karlee, Shawnie and Julia and former wife Judith.
A Memorial Service will take place Saturday, February 23rd at 11:00 am at Calvary Chapel Mission Viejo; 24821 Chrisanta Drive. Mission Viejo, CA 92691 Semper Fidelis
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for LARRY COLLINS
Mike Amtower
February 11, 2024
Larry was a close friend and fellow Marine. I miss the many coms I had with him.
Family circa 1979
Krista Collins-Hodgman
November 29, 2013
Dad
November 29, 2013
November 29, 2013
To all who have shared here; thank you! Your words mean so much. It's with great joy I've read your memories and kind thoughts of Dad. What a special gift you have given all of us!
Forever, 'K3'
Krista Collins Hodgman
James McNary
June 24, 2013
I just recently learned of Larry's passing. I was one of the McKinley gang from Marion, IL and Larry was a good friend. We played together as kids, grew up together through HS. Larry left Marion to go to Colo.U. and we communicated on line and through his parents earlier. What a sad day for all the gang of McKinley. His memory will be with us always. My deepest sympathy to all his family and friends.
June 23, 2013
Larry "Jason" Collins and I have been friends since about 1951. Unfortunately, we were separated after high school-- I in the Navy for a short time and he in the Marines for a career. My condolences to the family for such a great loss. My congratulations to friends and family for the privilege we have all had of knowing Jason and for the contributions he has made to all of us. Bravo Zulu, Jason. Ray Hancock,PhD, Marion, Illinois
Dale Harris
June 22, 2013
To the family: Just last night I learned that my old friend from childhood had passed away. I hasten to send you my heartfelt condolences and sorrow. I have so many memories of Larry. We grew up together in Marion, in the McKinley grade school neighborhood. We went to high school together, double-dating, playing on the high school basketball and football teams. He went to the University of Colorado and one year later I followed him. We roomed together that year, before he moved into the "Delt" house. Over the years, he would copy me on his enthusiastic communications with his marine buddies and political friends. Although we had not seen each other in many years, I still felt a part of his life. His precise memory for details of our childhood and teenage years was overwhelming.
Earlier today, I sent a note to several of his Marion friends, and on their behalf--Russell, James, Loueen, Carole, Ray, Tim and Don, and many others--I send you our love and prayers for our old friend. He was a good and honorable man.
June 4, 2013
The Marine Corps loses another one of our Warriors. We had a few adult beverages together years ago as we discussed our Corps and traded war stories..... Rest in Peace, my friend.
"Art" Sifuentes, LtCol, USMC (Ret).
Mike & Larry in Pensacola Beach in Oct 2002.
Mike Amtower
June 1, 2013
Mike Amtower
June 1, 2013
Interestingly enough, I 'met' Larry via the internet on a Marine website.
In October of 2002, I met him at the Houston Intercontinental airport and we drove together to Pensacola Beach in Florida for the Pop-A=Smoke Reunion.
I remained in contact with Larry over the years and we became good friends.
He will be missed!
I attached a pic of Larry and I at the reunion in 2002.
Semper Fidelis!
Wally Collins
March 2, 2013
Being the youngest of this generation; I only remember meeting you a couple of times. I will always cherish those memories and hold them close to my heart. And to say, "Thank you for your sacrifies in defending our country." You will truly be missed.
Rest in Peace Col. Cuz.
Glenda Michael
February 23, 2013
From one Marine family to another, our warmest thoughts are with you today. I too am the proud daughter of a Marine, one who served in the Pacific in WWII; he and Mom lived around the corner from "Larry". As I would come and go over the years visiting my parents in Laguna Woods, I would often see Mr. Collins as he was parking his car in front of the flags and I always noticed that unusual license plate of his 'DonQte' which hinted at so much that was obviously important to him. Sometimes, I was lucky enough to be able to stop and chat awhile, whereupon I found him to be a most wonderful fellow, full of the love and commitment to the 'old' values of service to country. He was always busy and engaged and full of vitality. When my Dad passed, GnySgt Roy Michael, six years ago, LtCol Collins wrote the most lovely words of condolence to our family and one of his fellow Marines. May my family and I return that favor this day, by letting you know that we also salute your Dad's life of honor, integrity, engagement and compassion. We miss our old neighbor. May his memory bring you much joy.
Always, Semper Fi…
The Family of Roy Michael - Glenda, Phyllis, Rebecca
Don Downs
February 20, 2013
"Marine" is an earned title and Larry as most Marine Corps personnel took to heart the phrase "Once a Marine, Always a Marine" he would quickly correct anyone by rejecting the term "ex-Marine" in most circumstances. The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem of the branch that Larry proudly and dutifully served are better from his service which was as good as those who marched on to Guadalcanal and took Iwo Jima. Larry's ability to faithfully recite dates, names and places of events is legendary. From the October 1962 “ready room” in Florida during the Cuban Missile Crisis, to the fall of Saigon Larry was there and in the arena of world events. I once told Larry that “You are like a real life Forrest Gump.” he initially took offense to my comment before I had the opportunity to explain the meaning. The movie character was a first person witness to history; similarly Larry was not only a witness to history but a fully engaged participant. Every American walking free today owes a debt to LTCOL Collins.
Larry had few peers when it came to enthusiastically loving our nation and preserving the traditions and ideals, upon which it was founded. The GOP has lost a faithful servant.
Larry's military service and love of his country was only out done by the love for his family. Larry was always proud to be a son and brother and quick to share a story or two about times in Marion, or traveling to Fort Ord and living in a 13 foot travel trailer while Major Jason Collins trained our troops for World War II. One thing could always stop this indomitable larger than life force in his tracks and that would be to hear K1, K2, K3, and K4 say “Hi Dad” or a small voice call out to Popo. Affection did not always come easily to him but it was heartfelt, genuine, and freely given.
“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." ~ G.K. Chesterton
Be at peace in The Lord's embrace my friend and fearless warrior.
Semper Fidelis
DD
February 18, 2013
My deepest sympathy to those who knew and loved Larry, from another Orange County Marionite. Bill Hampton
Nancy Collins
February 18, 2013
Kim, Kelly, Krista, Kathy ... my thoughts are with you all in the loss of your beloved Dad ...
Nancy
Eduard Hengst
February 18, 2013
R.I.P. See you on the other side.
John and Pat Schmit
February 18, 2013
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and of you. May wonderful memories provide comfort for you all.
Mechelle Malane
February 18, 2013
Love and a big hug. Praying for the 4 strongest sisters I've ever known along with their beautiful families.
Jerry H and Carol Ann Collins
February 17, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to you all. He will be missed
Lanny Herlan
February 17, 2013
I love you and miss you Col Cuz. Enjoy the toy soldiers. Semper Fi.
Brett and Kathy Blume
February 17, 2013
Our deepest sympathy for all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Brett, Kathy and Devin.
Greg Benoit
February 17, 2013
Love you...so hard losing a parent...thoughts
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