Donald Ogden Collins

Donald Ogden Collins passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, at the age of 92. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on January 9, 1934, to Robert Joseph Collins, Sr. and Louise Brandt Collins. He was preceded in death by both parents, a brother, Robert Joseph Collins, Jr. and a sister, Gloria Collins Baudier.

Donald graduated from Fortier High School and Tulane University in New Orleans where he was active in the ROTC and a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He served in the U.S. Air Force before attending Tulane University School of Law. He was admitted to the Louisiana Bar in 1962 and practiced at Jones, Walker as a partner for many years specializing in Admiralty & Maritime, Aviation and Insurance Defense. Over the course of his career, he was an active member of the Louisiana Bar Association and the Louisiana Defense Counsel of which he served as president from 1980 - 1981.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 20 years, Mary Kay Burns Collins; a son, Donald Ogden Collins, Jr.; a daughter, Kendall Collins Gensler (Scott); a grandson, Miles Ogden Gensler; a stepson, Patrick H. Burns (Laura); two stepdaughters, Suzanne Burns Revelle (Dale) and Emelie Burns Rountree (Will); and seven additional grandchildren: Michael Patrick Burns II, Courtney Childs, Margot Childs, David Childs, Elizabeth “Libby” Rountree, Caroline Rountree, and Adeline “Addie” Rountree. All of whom brought him much joy along with a host of nieces, nephews and cherished close friends. A special thank you to his loyal secretary, “life manager” and family friend of more than 50 years, Charlotte Mire Barker.

Donald was a member of The Bienville Club, The Stratford Club, and several other Carnival organizations. He was a longtime volunteer at the World War II Museum, a member of the choir at St. Francis Xavier and enjoyed retreats at Manresa.

Throughout the years, Donald took pleasure in reading and sketching the scenery while spending weekends and summers with family in Pass Christian, Mississippi, along the coast of Maine, and in the mountains of North Carolina. He always looked forward to returning home to New Orleans for Sunday dinners at the NOCC with his friend group.

“DOC” will be remembered for his quick wit, commanding presence, captivating storytelling, sage advice, sparkling blue eyes and sense of style.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Friday, January 23, 2026 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA. Visitation will be held from 10 am - 12 pm with a memorial Mass at 12 noon. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.