Francis Albert Collins

On this day, July 17, 2024, Francis (Frank) Albert Collins went to spend eternity with his beloved son Richard (Richi) Allen Collins. 

Frank Collins came into this world on May 26, 1948, born in Hornell New York to Frank Collins and Virgina Collins. As a military brat, Frank lived in many places within the United States. In his youth, he even lived in Germany for five years. 

Frank preferred to be in the mountains. He would often say he was a mountain man at heart. Frank enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, four-wheeling, snowmobiling, and anything else that put him outdoors. He liked sharing stories about the time he came face-to-face with a trophy bull elk and black bear while hunting. Frank loved western Colorado so much because of the mountains. 

Frank was known as Mr. Fix It. He enjoyed exploring, figuring out how things worked, and learning how to fix or better them. Frank was often told, this was a god-given talent, although he saw it as common sense. 

Frank spent half of his senior year at Central High School where he graduated in May of 1966. In January 1967, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. This is where his love of airplanes took hold. He also played in the Drum and Bugle Corp. Frank most likely would have made a career of his service in the Air Force if it weren't for the health problems his father faced. This led to an honorable discharge from the military and Frank supporting his family through their hard times. He was very proud of the time he spent serving his country. 

As a young man, Frank worked for the USGS after the military and owned his surveying, rain gutter, and contracting companies. He worked on small-engine planes, reclaimed restaurant and convenience store equipment, and managed William Scottsman to name a few. After his time in the Military, Frank obtained his private pilot license. Flying was another thing he loved dearly. 

Frank was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. He worked with the youth (mainly Boy Scouts), served as the Elder Quorum president, ward finance clerk, family history consultant, and communications specialist on The Hamm radio. Frank met his current wife, Davene, when she was 5-years-old. A story he loved to tell. They met later in life, in the year 2004, and were married on 

August 14, 2004. Frank and Davene were sealed in the Monticello Temple on April 21st, 2007. They shared many adventures together. One Frank recalled often was a trip to Pelican Harbor, Alaska for a three-day fishing trip. This was one of his bucket list trips. Other adventures include cruises, camping in Union Park, hunting, fishing, 4-wheeling, remodeling, exploring, panning for gold, picking chokecherries, and gardening. Frank took much pride in the beautiful, comfortable, and custom home he and Davene remodeled together. Frank often said he lived a full life and was able to see and do many things others dreamed of. 

Frank leaves behind his wife of (almost) 20 years, Davene Collins. Sister-in-law Teena (Tom) Emanuel-whom he thought the world of and niece Hailey (Colin) Lippincott. His former wife Linda Collins and their daughter Johanna Young. Daughter-in-law Lora Collins and four step-children, Trissa (Aaron) Jimenez, Kyler Lott, Kade (Blair) Lott, and Taylor (Owen) Fairchild. One grandson, Anthony Young. Eight step-grandchildren- Shaylynn (Emilio), Kylee, Karlene, Kadence, Kai, Brighton, Finley, and another on the way. Two step-great-grandchildren-Ellie and Kinsley. Sister Cindy (Keith) Hardin and family. 

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, beloved son Richard, and lifelong friend Noel J Roundy. What a happy reunion it must have been in heaven when they were all reunited. 

Words cannot express the gratitude extended to the Hope West Hospice workers, especially Susan, Lizz, Bobby, and Sandie. What a blessing you were in our lives. 

Services will be held on August 5th, 2024 at 11:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2235 Kingston Road Grand Junction, CO) The committal service will be at the Veterans Memorial Cemetary (2830 D Road Grand Junction, CO) at 1:00 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hope West in Frank Collins' honor.