Warren Neal Collins

Warren raised an extraordinary family with his wife of sixty-five years, Sue, the love of his life. He departed this earth to be with his God and family that proceeded him on June 7, 2024. He is no longer broken, no longer in pain, and is now rejoicing with our Heavenly Father, adding his fully restored voice to heaven’s choir.

Warren was proceeded in death by his parents, John and Doris Collins, an infant brother, David Alan, and son-in-love, Richard Lonsinger. He is survived by his bride, Sue, their three children, Dana Kittredge and husband Shawn; Wade Collins and wife Tiffany; Kathy Lonsinger. Seven grandchildren (plus bonus grandchild daughters-in-love): Jeremie Kittredge and Kristin, David Kittredge and Ginger; Nicholas Kittredge and wife Vanessa; Jacob Lonsinger and wife Adrianne; Kaylee Lonsinger; Joshua Lonsinger; Jason Lonsinger. Nine great-grands: Savannah, Liam, Felicity, Whittaker, Sawyer, & Hope Kittredge; Wendy, Wyatt, & Westley Lonsinger, and his brother Phillip Collins and wife Karol (of Arizona). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins.

Warren was born and raised in Oklahoma City, OK. He attended OKC public schools, graduating from John Marshall HS, earning a partial scholarship for religious studies to Phillips University in Enid, OK. While there, he met the love of his life, Sue, in a truly a “kismet” moment, as he saw her on his way to another “get together”, and stopped, said hello. Four hours later they were still talking. They never were separate again. Winning debate partners in college, they often tease, they’d been debating ever since! They married August 15, 1959, at a little chapel in Enid, OK. Following graduation, they moved, with their newborn daughter Dana, to Shawnee Mission, KS where Sue had accepted a speech pathology teaching job. Warren, having switched his major from religious studies to business/economics, began his career in health and life insurance with The Hartford, at their Kansas City offices. Children, Wade and Kathy, were born during their time in KS. He was later promoted to their corporate headquarters in Hartford, CT after revolutionizing group health insurance plans to make it affordable and available to smaller companies or groups (such as teachers unions). Later, the founders of American Fidelity Assurance, CB and CW Cameron, knowing his family roots were Oklahoman, offered he and Sue the chance to return to Oklahoma in 1969. He remained with them until his retirement, retiring as President of American Fidelity International, and Exec. Sr. VP at AFA. During the last ten years of his work like, Warren and Sue also traveled the world, making friends, sharing experiences.

Warren (with Sue) never lost his commitment to God and remained involved with their home churches everywhere they lived, from serving as lay pastor wherever needed, youth leaders/ministers (until their own children left for college), singing in the choir (many remember his solos of Sweet Little Jesus Boy at Christmas or How Great Tho’ Art on special occasions), leading Sunday school classes or bible study groups, and continued learning-studying God’s word with their own living room groups. While members of Mustang UMC, they were asked to help charter a new UMC congregation in northwest OKC. This was the start of Church of the Servant, where they remained as founding members until his death. They also regularly visited/attended Connect UMC with their oldest daughter Dana’s family.

Warren has a love of learning, something he passed on to his three children. He was always reading, gaining knowledge. He enjoyed past-times such as music (guitar, piano, accordion, organ), singing, painting, drawing, photography, gardening, outdoor events (camping to backyard bar-b-que’s), card games, poker, as golfing. His biggest passion though was time with his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends. He sang to his family regularly, singing to his daughters on their wedding days (Sunrise, Sunset) just before walking them down the aisle, to his wife (If Ever I Would Leave You), always softly singing sweet songs to all his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Or showing his love through his guitar, quietly strumming classical tunes as lullabies (or while teens studied for exams), or fiery flamenco, such as Malaguena, for all to dance/clap to. Piano duets with his daughters or friends were another favorite. Or simply dancing. Warren was an amazing dancer, teaching his children waltzes, tango, swing, jitterbug, the twist, to square dancing and round dancing. His children recall times of Warren gliding with Sue around the living room to a waltz as he sang songs just to her. He truly believed in living and sharing life with all its precious joy.

Memorial celebration of Warren’s life will be held on July 27, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Connect United Methodist Church, 5400 N. Coltrane Rd., Edmond, OK 73034. To commemorate Warren’s joy for life and beauty of God’s creations, his love of art, music, and dancing, please feel free to wear your favorite colors or outfit to his service.

(Graveside burial to be held at a later date for family members)

Services managed by Baggerley Funeral Home, Edmond, OK. Please coordinate any flower arrangement deliveries with them ahead of time.