Lloyd Earl Collins

Graveside funeral services will be held March 4, 2005 at 10:00 am at the Terlton Cemetery for Lloyd Earl Collins. Lloyd passed away Wednesday, February 23, 2005 in Houston, Texas at the age of 83 years 11 months and 13 days.

Born in Lovell, Wyoming, Lloyd Earl Collins spent his early childhood near Jerico Springs, Missouri and most of his formative years in the Hallett/Terlton, Oklahoma area.

As a young man, he met and fell in love with Elsie May Gwin, whom he married on January 18, 1942, just prior to his 21st birthday. This marriage marked the beginning of a lifelong love affair, which enriched their lives and produced their beloved son, Larry.

Shortly after Lloydís marriage to Elsie, he was inducted into the U.S. Army and spent 30 months (from 1942 to 1945) in North Africa and Italy during World War II, where he served as a communications specialist.

Upon returning from the war and separating from the service, he received GI bill training for automobile maintenance and repair and worked in that field until his retirement from Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in 1981.

He lived with his family in or near Cleveland, Oklahoma for over 50 years, where he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cleveland and sang in the church choir. He also managed and maintained the school districtís bus fleet for several years during that time period.

In 1997, he moved with his wife and sister-in-law, Martha Gwin, to the Houston, Texas area, to be near his son and daughter-in-law, Mary.

Throughout his nearly 84 years, Lloyd Earl Collins was a kind and caring man, who was lovingly devoted to the Lord and to those close to him.

Survivors
Lloyd Earl Collins is survived by:
His wife, Elsie May Collins and sister-in-law, Martha Gwin of Cypress, TX
His son, Larry Lloyd Collins and his wife, Mary of Cypress, TX
His grandson, Bradley Lloyd Collins and his wife Jenifer of San Diego, CA
His granddaughter, Krista May Reder and her husband Paul of Cournonterral, France
His great-grandchildren, Keziah Marie Reder and Matias Aden Reder
His sisters, Frances Minson & Mabel Lee
His brother-in-law, Delmont Gwin
He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.

Services are under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc. of Cleveland, Oklahoma. Please visit an online obituary and guestbook at for Lloyd Collins at www.chapman-black.com