Mr. John Neal Collins

John Neal Collins, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, joined the presence of his Lord and Savior on Friday, January 31st, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. He was the son of his late parents, Frank Roma and Lucy Neal Collins of San Antonio, Texas and joins multiple extended family in eternal life. John lived a life full of humor and love for his faith, family and country.

John proudly served his country in the United States Army, from 1964 to 1970. During this time, he was stationed at selected forts throughout the Army Corp of Engineers and overseas in Okinawa, Japan. After completing his military service, John returned to San Antonio, continued his studies from San Antonio College and pursued his graduation from Southwest Texas with a Bachelors of Education, History Minor.

John met Lana Luersen in the spring of 1970, went to their first date at the San Antonio Rodeo in February and married November 25th, 1970. John dedicated three decades of love and integrity to his teaching career, beginning at South San H.S. and finishing a 33-year tenure at John F. Kennedy High School. Through his work and volunteering, John touched the lives of many, blending his fatherhood and teaching skills with his faith and profession, encouraging students, friends and loved ones in seeking God’s guidance.

John and Lana started their beautiful family with Phillip Neal, 1974, Russell Ray, 1976, and Christopher Allen, 1980. John and Lana shared the joys of travel, Hill Country life at Papa’s ‘El Jefe Ranch’, Rockport, Texas Summer breaks, Mash-The-Grass yard fun, countless history lessons and even more countless DIY and Honey-Do Projects. Never a dull moment around the Collins household :)

John and Lana were devoted members of Concordia Lutheran Church, where he served as a volunteer during the early Concordia years of building softball fields and playgrounds sets. He led his family and life through integrity and devotion to God and His plans.

John is survived by his amazing loving wife of 54 years, Lana Mae Luersen. He is also survived by their three sons and a proud grandfather to four grandchildren. Eldest son, Phillip Collins and wife, Wendy with grandsons, Shepard and Marshal. Middle son, Russell Collins and wife, Danielle with grandson, Wyatt and granddaughter, Lillian Bleu. And youngest son, Christopher Collins. John is survived by three brothers and sole sister with numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Eldest brother, Frank and late wife, Helen. Elder brother, Reverend Bill, wife Raynelle. Younger sister, Lucy Tuck Lippe and husband, Fred. Youngest brother, Tom and wife Nancy. John found immense joy bringing his family together through multiple gatherings.

John’s legacy is one full of humor, kindness, hard work, trust, dependability, generosity, humility, quiet strength and faith. He was a man of integrity who led by example and dedicated his life to serving others. His memory will be forever a fountain of inspiration, joy, love and continuous humor.

Pallbearers

Phillip Collins, Russell Collins, Christopher Collins, Doug Collins, Marshal Collins, Charles Moore, Sr.

Honorary Pallbearers

Shepard Collins, Wyatt Collins

John’s service will be held at Concordia Lutheran church Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 11am. A reception will follow. Interment will occur after at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2:15pm.

Please go to https://www.concordia.cc/ and click the 'watch online' blue button. Streaming will begin 15 minutes before the service starts. You can also go to https://live.concordia.cc/