More detail on this person: LTCOL Larry M. Collins, 76, passed away peacefully in his home on
Tuesday at 1:45 am, while surrounded by the love from his family.
Larry Collins was born and raised in Southern Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents;
WWII Army Veteran Jason J. and Genevieve M., and sister, Brenda Blume. He adored his father and
followed in his footsteps. After graduating from Marion High School, he attended the University of
Colorado at Boulder on a NROTC scholarship. He was commissioned in 1958 and attended Officer and
Naval Flight Training. He was a proud Naval Aviator and pilot of F-9, F-11 and T-2J Buckeye Jets and
UH-34 Sea Horse Helicopters.
LTCOL Collins was a proud American, an officer and gentlemen. Serving his country for 26 years in
the Marine Corp. he was highly decorated for his service. He was the recipient of the Purple Heart
while at war in Vietnam, and served as Commanding Officer, Operations Officer and Executive Officers
in West Pac tour of Japan, Hawaii, and California. He retired with the rank of LTCOL from El Toro 1
July 1984.
LTCOL Collins was an active member of the Republican Party. He served the community of Laguna
Woods for ten years as a Security Officer and Vice President of the Republican Club beside his
dearest friend, Shirley Morgan , President. He also was the Web Master for the Rush Limbaugh club.
Larry was appointed to the Veterans Advisory Council and worked with Chris Cox and John Campbell.
He was recognized as Veteran of the Year in 2008 by Mimi Walters.
LTCOL Collins was a Christian man of great integrity, honor and true grit. He identified so well
with his hero Don Quixote_
"To dream the imposssible dream ... To fight the unbeatable foe ... To bear with unbearable
sorrow_To run where the brave dare not go ... To right the unrightablee wrong ...To love pure and
chaste from afar _ To try when your armss are too weary ...To reach ... the unreachable star"
LTCOL Larry M. Collins will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community.
He is survived by his four daughters, Kim Collins, Kelly Brannon, Krista Hodgman and Kathy Taylor
and their husbands, Jim, Scott and Tom, Grand sons: Kirk, Caleb, Zachary, Breyden, Cortland, Jacob,
Kyle and Henry. Grand daughters: Karlee, Shawnie and Julia and former wife Judith.
A Memorial Service will take place Saturday, February 23rd at 11:00 am at Calvary Chapel Mission
Viejo; 24821 Chrisanta Drive. Mission Viejo, CA 92691 Semper Fidelis
Published in Orange County Register on February 17, 2013
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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