Preston Ellis Collins' Obituary
Preston Ellis Collins, 62, of rural Miami, Oklahoma, passed away Monday, May 25, 2015 at his home, after an industrial accident. Preston was born January 14, 1953 in Welch, Oklahoma to Clifford B. and Iris A. (Monroe) Collins. He was a graduate of Welch High School. He worked for Steelcraft for 33 years, and also maintained his own welding business. On April 19, 2003, he married Dixie Neill at Liberty Baptist Church in Miami. The couple made their home west of Miami. Preston was a talented and skilled welder. He enjoyed working in the shop daily. He was known as a naturist and a professional learner. He had a love for the outdoors and nature like no other. He had interests in learning about pecans trees as well as the different kinds of birds. He also enjoyed sewing and quilting, and recently was learning to cook. Probably his most challenging job was keeping Dixie in line. The couple loved to entertain family and friends with their annual appreciation cook-out at their home every fall. Preston was survived by his wife and best friend, Dixie; 1 son, Adam Collins and wife Heather of Miami; 2 daughters, Beth Lowery and husband Jake of El Reno, OK, and Lindsey Linthicum and husband Mike of Manchester, Maryland; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Richard Collins; and a host of friends. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at the Thomas Funeral Home, Welch, OK. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 28, 2015 at Welch Christian Church. Minister Brad Canham will officiate. Serving as casket bearers will be Adam Collins, Jake Lowery, Larry Flaming, Charlie Read, Stetson Collins, and Stone Collins. Honorary casket bearers will be Larry Layton, Ron McMurtrey,Bob Haskins, Ron Rottmann and Mike Linthicum. Interment at Welch Cemetery, Welch, OK. The family requests donations be made to the Welch Christian Church, in lieu of flowers.
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