Ronald Lane Collins

Surrounded by his loving wife and son, Ronald L. Collins entered his eternal home on March 15, 2024 at the age of 81. Ron was an unassuming, sincere, generous, dedicated, and faithful man of quiet strength and often unexpected sense of humor.

He graduated from Emmerich Manual High School in Indianapolis in 1961 where he was a scholar and athlete. He was proud to have served as manager on the well-known basketball team starring Tom and Dick VanArsdale. Ron continued his education at Indiana University in Bloomington. After graduating in 1966 with a Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education, he began his short-lived teaching career at Brownsburg Middle School. This was interrupted upon receipt of his draft letter from Uncle Sam. Thus, began his 20-year career with the United States Air Force. Upon completion of Officer Training School, he started his journey as an officer, serving in the Communications Squadron at many military bases in the states. During this time, he received a Masters Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. This degree allowed him to be assigned many responsibilities in the communications field. He first served as an air traffic controller himself, then designed lessons and taught these skills. Later Ron became a commander of a communications squadron that orchestrated all communications from that base. He retired from the Air Force in 1988. Following his retirement, he continued using his skills with the University of Oklahoma, Boeing and FAA. He retired from his civilian employment in 2013.

Ron now has joined his parents, Donald and Mildred Collins, sister, Susan Collins, and son, Jeffrey Collins who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Sierra (Fromer) Collins, son Brian (Emily) Collins, granddaughters, Caroline and Catherine Collins, brother Ted (Judy) Collins, sister-in-law, Charla (Gordon) Simons and several nieces and nephews along with many close and dear friends.

Ron and his surviving wife were married for 55 years. They were blessed with two sons, Jeffrey and Brian. Early in their marriage he was quite the handyman and enjoyed woodworking. Once he became a father, much of his leisure time was focused on his family. He assisted in coaching his sons’ sports teams, was an assistant scoutmaster, and used his woodworking skills to build their first toy chests and outdoor playset. They moved to Oklahoma City when he retired from the Air Force. There the family became avid OU fans. As football and basketball season ticket holders, Ron and his wife could be seen in the stands cheering on their Sooners. Recently, they moved to San Antonio to be closer to their son, Brian, and his family. Ron delighted in being able to spend more time with his precious granddaughters.

Ron was a devout Christian who didn’t fear death. He was a lifetime faithful servant of the Lord. In his words, “I know the Lord and I know where I’m going” He will be sorely missed by many. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.

MEMORIAL SERVICEMONDAY, MARCH 25, 20242:00 PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH

Memorial contributions can be sent to the Schertz Church of Christ, 501 Schertz Pkwy, Schertz, TX 78154

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