Donald Frank Collins

Don was first and foremost a devoted father to his twin daughters, Deanna Collins and Dawn Martinez. His girls were his whole world, and he took tremendous pride in the lives and families they built. He was also a cherished Poppa to his beloved grandsons, Nathan and Seth Martinez, who brought him immeasurable joy.

A proud United States Army Veteran, Don served his country honorably and carried the values of dedication, perseverance, and service throughout his life. Following his military service, he embarked on many different careers, always driven by his strong work ethic and desire to learn. He drove a semi-truck across the country, worked as an HVAC technician, and proved time and again that there was truly nothing he could not do.

At heart, Don was an entrepreneur and an inventor. He founded his own business, designing and building innovative basketball and football arcade games that became popular throughout the country. His creativity and craftsmanship earned him patents for his designs, and when the business was eventually sold to Skee-Ball, his creations continued to live on in arcades nationwide. It was through this chapter of his life that he met his lifelong best friend, Kim. Their friendship endured through the decades and remained strong until Don's final days.

After his successful career in the gaming industry, Don worked for a commercial glass company, where he utilized his talents in computer-aided drafting and design. He later transitioned into Information Technology, where he continued to apply his problem-solving skills until his retirement.

Don loved building things with his own hands. One of his proudest achievements was constructing his own home in Illinois. In retirement, he fulfilled another lifelong dream by building not one, but two hot rods from the ground up. He could often be found proudly displaying those cars at shows throughout the valley, sharing his passion for automobiles with family, friends, and fellow enthusiasts.

Even retirement could not slow him down. A natural handyman, Don spent countless hours helping others by fixing, repairing, and building whatever was needed. If something was broken, Don could fix it. If an idea needed building, Don could make it happen. He was never one to sit still for long, but when he did slow down, he enjoyed fishing with his brother Chuck and spending time with friends over a few beers and good conversation. You could always find him listening to good music and tinkering in his garage.

Don is survived by his daughters, Dawn Martinez and her husband Brian, Deanna Collins and her fiancé Robert; his brother, Charles "Chuck" Collins; and his treasured grandsons, Nathan and Seth Martinez.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathy Collins; his mother, Dorothey; his fathers, James (Jimmy), and Joseph; and many grandparents, relatives, and dear friends who undoubtedly welcomed him home.

Don will be remembered as a loving father, devoted Poppa, loyal friend, proud veteran, gifted builder, and the kind of man who could always be counted on when someone needed help. His strength, generosity, humor, and unwavering determination touched countless lives.

He never liked to say goodbye. Instead, he would simply say, "See ya later."

While his family and friends will miss him dearly, they find comfort in knowing that he is once again in the arms of his beloved Kathy, resting peacefully after a life well lived.