Martin D Collins Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Martin D. Collins 66 of Bryant passed away on Friday, September 09, 2016, at his residence. He was born on June 14, 1950 in Bluffton, Indiana to Brooks J. Collins & G. Joan (Patty) Collins – Schwartz. He attended Bluffton High School and proudly served our country in the United States Marines in Vietnam. In the years after his service he tried his hand at many jobs from farm hand to bartender. He seemed to enjoy truck driving the most and made a career of it with over 20 years of safe driving with John Cheeseman Trucking where he logged over one million safe miles. In his younger years, he was an avid hunter and always enjoyed going fishing and riding his motorcycle. In the recent years, he made the most by collecting antique fishing lures and socializing at Ginny’s Truck Stop in Bryant. Survivors include his son Martin (Sheila) Brooks Collins of American Canyon, California along with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a brother Richard (Diana) Collins of Jasper and three sisters: Mary Beth (Bob) Zeis of Bluffton, Janis Eggers of Williamsburg and Kathy Jean (Nigel) Bramwell of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Martin is preceded in death by his parents and step- father John H. Schwartz and step-daughter, Jasmine Baumgartner. Calling Hours will be held from 2 to 8pm on Monday at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. A service to celebrate Martin’s life will take place at 10:30am on Tuesday September 13th at the funeral home, with his family officiating. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery in Bluffton with full military honors by the American Legion Post #111 of Bluffton and the United States Marine Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the American Legion Post #111 or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to the family at www.thomarich.com.

Martin D Collins

June 14, 1950 - September 9, 2016