Donald Martin Collings

Mr. Collings was born April 9, 1925 in Ola, Arkansas to his parents Sadie and Vincent Collings. He attended North Yakima High School before entering the Army Air Force during WWII. He married Pauline Mae Johns on June 14, 1946 in Yakima at the First Baptist Church. Donald was a licensed practical nurse and worked for 52 years helping and caring for patients. He started at the Old County Hospital for ten years and then at Yakima Memorial Hospital where he retired July 1, 1994 after 42 years of service. Donald enjoyed working in his yard, gardening, cooking and baking as well as crocheting and watching the Seattle Mariners baseball games. He also liked going grocery shopping with his son and enjoying his favorite ice cream cone.

Mr. Collings was a strong, caring man with an amazing ability to tell stories about his experiences with his six brothers and four sisters from his childhood. He also shared many stories about his years in the nursing field and his association with various doctors and nurses over the years. Mr. Collings is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Deanna and David Lantis of Yakima, WA; his daughter and son in law, Sandra and Billy Staggs of Union Gap, WA; his son, Martin Collings of Yakima WA; four grandchildren and their spouses; seven great-grand children; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Pauline on June 1, 2017; his parents Sadie and Vincent Collings; and all of his brothers and sisters.

The family would like to thank the doctors and associates at North Star lodge for their compassion and assistance with the melanoma cancer that Donald fought for many years. A special thanks also goes to the caregivers at Hope Bridge Services for their special care during Donald’s final days.

Graveside services will be held for Mr. Collings at West Hills Memorial Park at 10 AM September 15, 2017. To share a memory of Mr. Collings visit www.lepfuneralhome.com.