Edward Ray Collins

Edward "Eddie" Ray Collins, 92, husband of Marie Delores Collins, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home with family by his side on Tuesday, October 11, 2016.

Born September 25, 1924 in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Ed Joined the United States Navy at the age of 18 after graduating from Immaculate Conception High School in Las Vegas, New Mexico. On October 16, 1944 he married his high school sweetheart Marie Delores Sanchez. Together they had and raised two daughters. While serving, Ed completed multiple deployments on aircraft carriers during and following World War II as well as tours in Great Lakes-Illinois, Bainbridge-Maryland, Camp Wallace- Texas, Pearl Harbor-Hawaii, Paris-France finally retiring from the U. S. Naval Training Center in 1964. Ed then worked as a Loan Officer for Palomar Financial and Union Bank from which he retired in 1988.

While living a life of many events, "Eddie" was happiest when he was with family who fondly called him their "Daddio" and Grandpoopa" - a name which always made him laugh. On weekends Ed enjoyed entertaining his grandchildren as they grew up, snaking on franks and beans with tortillas, watching western movies with his wife, the San Diego Chargers or a boxing match. When he wasn't with his family, he could be found trying his luck at his favorite casino, BARONA where his daughters took him as a special treat as often as they could. Ed was an honest man, remaining true to his word and always arriving early or on time. Kids, family, friends, fellow church-goers, neighbors, nurses, and so many others adored Eddie and relished his great sense of humor which never wavered even in his last days. His family was his life, and Ed lived a life full of love. He will be truly missed.

Ed is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marie ("Doie"), two daughters: Sandra (Stephen Sandberg) and Janet (Ex-Husband Fred Rodgers). He took great pride in his grandchildren: Amber (Michael Shy), Shane (Sandberg), Summer (Sandberg/Bonaker) and Jessica (Jordon Peter). Keeping him "young at heart" and "on his toes" were his great-grandchildren: Quinn (Bonaker), Easton and Charley (Shy). He will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather with a sense of humor that continued to the very end.

Ed was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico to Harley and Pauline Collins who preceded him in death along with his brothers: Frank and Harley. His younger brother Robert (Lucia), stepsisters: Edwina Trujillo, Dolores Montoya, and Eleanor Montoya reside in Santa Fe. New Mexico.

Services will be held Thursday, November 3, 2016 , 11:00 a.m. at Miramar National Cemetery. Celebration of Life to be held directly after service at the Bo Beau Restaurant in La Mesa, 8384 La Mesa Blvd,