E.T. "Ed" Collins

Ed was born on December 29, 1934 in Sulphur, Oklahoma to Nathaniel V. “Vol” and Mary L. Collins. Unable to play sports due to farming responsibilities after school, he discovered he had a talent for music, and his love for music and entertaining was born. He along with high school classmates were part of the Hereford Heaven Ramblers, performing on radio programs. College interrupted his band, but not Ed’s love for music. Ed went to work for Mason & Hanger at the Pantex Plant in 1957 and for the next 40 years contributed to the safety of our nation. Ed married Dee Wells in 2008. Music and entertaining continued to be a large part of Ed’s life. Ed sang in different bands over the years and developed life-long friendships along the way. His most recent band, the “Half-Price Band”, use their talents to perform at local nursing homes, retirement homes and VA Hospitals. Ed was also a musician at the local Big Texan Steakhouse and sang for travelers that stopped in to our local tourist attraction. Over his lifetime, Ed’s hobbies included fishing, bowling, a passion for the game of golf and reading.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, N.V. “Junior” Collins; and two sisters, Margaret Collins and Mary Norton LeCrone.

Mr. Collins is survived by his wife, Dee Wells Collins; his two daughters, Brenda Davis and husband Marvin “Kelly” and Diana Lyn Eastepp and husband Leonard; seven grandchildren; several great grandchildren; a brother, Ernest Collins and wife Delores of Sulphur, OK; and many nieces, nephews and cousins scattered across Oklahoma, Kansas, California and Texas.

Also surviving are three stepchildren, Mike Wells and Roger Wells of Stratford and Leslie Wells of Amarillo.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Washington Avenue Christian Church, 3800 S. Washington, Amarillo, Texas 79110.