Sgm Garland Collins Us Army Ret Obituary (1933

Garland Leon Collins, "Joe", retired SGM US Army, passed away peacefully at home July 18, 2015 at the age of 83 in Covington, WA. He was the son of Lenard and Lucile (Parks) Collins born on May 23, 1933. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Kansas City, MO. He excelled in Football and Track and Field. He was the man to beat in the 400 yard dash. After high school he worked a few odd jobs and then enlisted into the US Army. Upon completion of his first tour of duty, he decided to make a career out of it and made himself a promise that he would not retire until he made the highest enlisted rank. On November 17, 1975 he did just that at Ft. Hood in Killeen, TX. After serving his country 24 years, 7 months and 28 days he was honorably discharged with honors. He received the Vietnam Unit Commendation Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal National Defense Service Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster; Army Occupation Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Meritorious Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal, Clasp, Silver, 1 Loop; Sharpshooter(rifle). His favorite sport was football and he loved him some Chicago Bears. Oh did he cut up when they won the Super Bowl in 1985. He had a great love for people and was always the life of the party at any family gathering or wherever he was. I can hear that laugh now. He was preceded in death by brothers, William, Gail, Grant and Vernon Collins. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years Mitsuko "Mitsy""Meechie" Collins. Also leaving to mourn brother Norman Collins of Chicago, IL; sisters Colleen Stone of Oceanside, CA; Elsie Tanker (Leroy) of Escondido, CA; sons Leon Collins (Rose) of San Antonio, TX; Charles Banks of Covington, WA; daughters Esther Fox of Kansas City, MO; Eileen Jones of Kansas City, MO; Paulette Collins of Kansas City, MO; 8 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Dad's request was not to have a funeral, he didn't want to be a burden on anyone. To honor him and his country for time serve in the US Army he will be laid to rest military style. Special Thank You to Sandra Banks for her many hours of care. Her dedication and love for him went above and beyond the title of caregiver. Words cannot express the gratitude we have for you. Interment Thursday July 30, 2015 , 11:00am at Tahoma National Cemetery