Marion Franklin Collins

Funeral services for Marion Franklin Collins, 86, of Lufkin will be held Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Michael Monterastelli officiating. Graveside services with military honors will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

Mr. Collins was born May 9, 1925 in Terre Haute, Indiana to the late Estella Mae (McCarty) and Vern Edward Collins, and died Wednesday, November 23, 2011 in a local hospital.

Mr. Collins served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1943-1946. He was a Sergeant with the 41st Infantry Division, serving during the Asiatic Pacific Theater, where he received two Bronze Stars, and the Philippine Liberation, where he also received a Bronze Star. Mr. Collins was also the recipient of a Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, and Bronze Arrowhead. He served in the occupation of Japan after the War.

Mr. Collins had resided in Lufkin since 1952. He owned and operated Clark's Shoe Department for 51 years, the first 20 years with C.R. Burton and later with his son, Mike. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church, where he had previously served as an Elder.

Survivors include his sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Karen Collins of Kingwood and Alan and Sonya Collins of Chattanooga, Tennessee; daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Greg Higgins of Lufkin; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, H.P. and Evelyn Collins of Lufkin; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Fred and Wanda Matzenbacher of Lufkin and Carl and Yolanda Hofmeister of Jacksonville; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Collins was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Velda L. Collins.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Brothers of The Cup.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Lutheran Church, 1001 Atkinson Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75901.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.