Fairbury – Donald Collins, 72, of Fairbury passed away 9:27pm, Saturday, November 3, 2018, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Cremation rites have been accorded.  Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Hospital.

Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.

Donald was born April 12, 1946, in Athens County, OH, the son of Calvin and Mable Zickafoose Collins.

He married Mae Hunter on October 19, 1968. She passed away November 30, 2017.

Surviving are his children, Shane (Michelle) Collins and Gina (Dave Icenogle) Collins both of Fairbury, Carrie (Adam) Followell of Forrest, and Heather (Jack) Collins of Fairbury; grandchildren, Dustin Collins, Treaver Bazzell, Tyler Followell, Chase (Randi) Collins, Jesse Bazzell, Trenton Followell, Alex Collins, Miranda Collins, Tate Followell, Morgan Collins, Mable Collins, Madelyn Collins; great-grandchildren, Ryan Collins, Emmerson Followell, and Eli Followell.

Donald was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert "Bobby", Chester "Buck", Jack, John, Richard, Henry, Fred, and Bill; sisters, Bertha Joseph and Betty German.

Don graduated from Waterloo High School in Ohio where he participated in basketball, track, and marching band.

He was a machinist for Caterpillar Tractor Company. After he retired, he repaired washers and dryers.

He was a steward and a member of the UAW Local 2096, Pontiac and a member of the Midnight Striker Bowling Team, APA Bowling League, and ACA Pool League.

Don was a man of many stories. He was someone who put your needs in front of his own. He didn't care what it was he always lent a hand in anyway he could even though you may not needed in.
He wasn't scared to tell you how it was and give it to you straight.
His life story will always live in his children and grandchildren. His family wouldn't be the way they are if his morals and values didn't run through their blood.
He may be gone, but his story will live through us all.

His life is his story.