Martin Richard Collins

Martin Richard Collins, 87, of Overland Park, after a long struggle with dementia, passed away on February 26, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on March 7, 1934 to Hoyle and Celoras (Kyker) Collins in Ten Mile, TN. Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served our country for four years prior to an honorable discharge.

Martin worked at Fitzgerald Equipment, in Rockford, IL, for over 35 years. He started as a mechanic and worked his way up to be the Service Manager. Over the course of his career, he took pride in helping build and expand the business.
On May 13, 1961, he married Arie Ellen Jackson, and they made their home in Athens, TN. After 2 years of marriage and the birth of their son they moved to Rockford, IL. They had three daughters and they resided there till he retired.

They returned to Athens making a home on the property where he grew up, and lived there for 20 years. In 2020, they came to Kansas City to be closer to family.

Martin was an active member of the LDS church for most of his life. He loved the fellowship of the church and had a strong testimony. He enjoyed all of his calling within the church and was a long standing member of the choir.

In his free time, Martin always had a project. He enjoyed woodworking, he built furniture for himself and for others. He hand made a violin for each of his four children. In his early 40's, he got his pilot's license, which became a lifelong passion. After retiring, he enjoyed spending time outside and taking long walks.

Martin is survived by his loving wife, Arie "Ellen", his children Rich Collins (Shelli), Debbie Ramsey (Eric), Teresa Urnezis (Mike) and Tricia Bowden (Bill). Also survived by his grandchildren, Rich Collins (Madison), Andy Collins, Michael Ramsey (Shelbie),Emily Ferkel (Bryce), Allison Young (Chris), Aidan Urnezis, Griffin Urnezis, Quinn Urnezis, Sydney Bowden, and Alex Bowden. Great grandchildren, Piper Ramsey and Presley Ramsey. Sisters, Louise Guyer, Virginia Brackett, and Ann Harris.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Jim Collins and Tom Collins.

The memorial service will be March 26th, 2022 at 1:00pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 15915 W. 143rd St, Olathe, KS 66062 with luncheon to follow.

The Celebration of Life will be June 18th 2022 from 5:00-6:00pm at the Valley Road Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 871 County Road 187, Athens, TN 37303.

In lieu of flowers, please copy and paste the following link(s) into your browser to donate to one of the foundations to help find a cure for the diseases which Martin suffered from.
Lewy Body Foundation
https://www.lbda.org/donate/

Alzheimer's Association
https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=32112&32112.donation=form1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=google_giving&s_src=giving&gclid=CjwKCAiApfeQBhAUEiwA7K_UH2ZQpOVrueJbbzYB1_McSb6h61d0Ep1PDVPLH1B5b3eOgox1c9fxYxoCImQQAvD_BwE