Lowell Forrest Collins, resident of Oologah, passed away Monday evening, May 5, 2014 in Claremore. He was 97 years of age. Lowell was born March 29, 1917 in Denver, Arkansas to John F. and Ola (Ayers) Collins. He was raised and received his education in Arkansas. Lowell later enlisted in the US Army, serving during World War Two with the Service Company, 13th Tank Battalion in Northern Africa and Europe. Following his discharge in 1945, Lowell returned to Arkansas, and on February 3, 1951, was united in marriage to Kate Burns at Harrison, AR. In 1952, they moved to Tulsa where Lowell was employed with American Airlines. They have made Oologah home since 1973. During most of his life, Lowell was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed gardening. He loved his family, always making them his priority. Lowell and Kate attended the Baptist Tabernacle in Collinsville.
Those that survive and hold many cherished memories are his wife of 63 years – Kate; three children – Terry Collins and wife Susie of Owasso, John F. Collins and wife Barbara of Tulsa and Markita Schubert and husband Dale of Collinsville. Also surviving are five grandchildren – Justin, Katie, Jana, Roman and Brandice; thirteen great grandchildren –Ryan, Janae, Jenzee, Dustin, Falena, KayLen, Lehnae, Kendal, Micah, Jackson, Jaylie, Brenna and Brenden; as well as three nephews Johnny Joe, Billy Dean and Stubb Epperson and two nieces Shirley Thompson and Pat Higgins. Lowell was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Roy and two sisters Dorothy Akin and Myrtle Fay Epperson.
Funeral services for Lowell will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, May 9, 2014 in the sanctuary of the Collinsville Baptist Tabernacle with Pastor Gary Cate officiating. Private family burial will follow in the Graceland Memorial Park Cemetery, Owasso. In lieu of flowers, those that would like to honor Lowell’s memory by making contributions in his name to the Claremore Veterans Center, 3001 West Blue Starr Drive, Claremore, OK 74017. Visitation will be Thursday, May 8, 2014 from 4pm – 8pm at Mowery Funeral Service, Owasso. Arrangements and services have been entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service, Owasso. www.moweryfs.com
