Jess Collins, Jr.

Jess Lee Collins, Jr. 87 year old Disney resident, died Wednesday, October 3, 2007 at the Craig General Hospital in Vinita. He was born September 24, 1920 in Oakman, Oklahoma to Jess Lee and Beulah (Sloane) Collins. Jess was a graduate of Sapulpa High School, Northeastern Oklahoma State University with a B.A. in education, and the University of Tulsa with a M. A. in education. Jess married Mariellen (Batson) on May 31, 1968 in Tulsa. Jess served in the United States Navy from 1942 to 1953, he was a Commander serving in both World War II and the Korean Conflict. He taught music in Tulsa Public Schools, where he then became a principal. Jess was a former president of the principals association in Oklahoma. Jess also served on the Jay School Board for five years, two as its president. Jess was a talented musician, playing the trumpet in a local band, the Blues and Jazz Band. He was also member of the Tulsa Community Band, the Singing Principals Quartet, and the Boston Avenue Church Choir. Jess was a very talented wood worker; He invented the counting men for children of the Tulsa Public Schools to learn to count. Jess was also an avid fisherman and active in his local community, serving on the city council and as mayor of Disney. The family includes: his wife Mariellen of the home in Disney, his children, Linda Murray and husband Bob, Peggy Bell and husband Joe, Allison Ballone and husband Toran, Steven Collins and wife Barbara, Mike Collins and wife Lorene, a step-son David Clay and wife Tracy, grandchildren Melissa Oldham, Michael Murray, Jason Collins, Jesse Beer, Julie Bell, Autumn Nagy, Joe Bell, Jonathan Bell, Daniel Clay, Evan Clay, Joel Clay, Jenna Clay, and Laura Clay, also eleven great-grandchildren. Those preceding him in death include his parents, a daughter, Kathy Collins, a brother Austin Leroy Collins and a sister Alline Collins. The funeral will be held Saturday, October 6, 2007, 10:30 a.m. at the Langley First Christian Church with Pastor Joe Bell officiating. The graveside and Military Rites will be held on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ft. Gibson National Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com. Friends may donate to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. Arrangements are by the Luginbuel South Grand Lake Funeral Home of Langley.

Service Details

Saturday, October 6th, 2007 10:30am

Interment Details

Ft. Gibson National Cemetery