Herb Collins

Herbert G. Collins was born on April 14, 1941 in Forman, Arkansas to Norman Collins and Beulah Mae Collins. He was born again as he surrendered his life to Christ on April 11, 1978 at 7:50 p.m. while on a business trip in Chicago, Illinois. It proved to be the best choice ever made in his life and the blessings of that decision carried him through many difficult times as he fought cancer for over 8 years before being called home to eternity with Christ.

Herb married his wife, Gail McBride, on November 12, 1977 and together they were blessed with two wonderful sons, Gregory Scott, born in 1980 followed by Jonathan Mark, in 1984. And then he was blessed with a precious grandson, in 2005, Troy Christian Collins. His friends soon learned not to ask Herb about his grandson unless they had a couple of hours to listen. There were no shortened versions of Troy. Herb loved spending time with his family and left behind memories that will live in their hearts for many years to come. He also loved to bass fish, especially with his brothers, which he did every available opportunity.

Herb Collins was one of those fortunate people that knew early on what he wanted to do for his life’s profession. As a teenager, Herb was fascinated by the development of experimental computers. Unable to afford college, he did the next best thing by enlisting in the U.S. Navy after being guaranteed training in the emerging computer technology career field. A wise choice, as the military recognized the value of computer technology, especially in avionics and weapons controls. After learning and serving for nine years, Herb was honorably discharged and went to work in the fledging computer industry. He worked and learned the computer technologies from analog to digital that included main frames, mini computers, work stations as well as personal computers. Most of his career was spent in the scientific and engineering industries until joining Computer Curriculum Corporation in 1994. Herb served in various management positions within the Pearson Education technology departments prior to his forced retirement from failing health due to cancer.

Back in 1963, at the US Naval Academy, President John F. Kennedy told the midshipmen, “Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction – ‘I served in the United States Navy’.” Herb would also add that he served his Lord and Savior and worked to lead others to Christ.

Herb was preceeded in death by his parents, one brother, Albert Collins and one sister, Merlene Collins. He is survived by his wife, two sons, one grandson, seven brothers; Gilbert Collins and wife, Anna Maria of Claude, TX, Robert Collins and wife, Betty of Marshall, TX, Hubert Collins and wife, Billie Jean of Waskom, TX, Wilbert Collins and wife, Lee Ann of Texarkana, TX, Delbert Collins of Texarkana, TX, Johnny Porier and wife, Sherry of Kansas City, MO, Ronald Porier and wife, Loretta of Broken Bow, OK, two sisters; Ann Faulkinbury of Texarkana, TX and Glenda Corbell, and husband, Kenny of Texarkana, TX. Herb is also survived by numerous aunts, nephews, nieces, and cousins too many to count.

The visitation for Mr. Collins will be held on Monday, August 10, 2015 from 6 until 8 o’clock p.m. at the funeral home. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 10 o’clock a.m. in the Northwest Highway Chapel of Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home. There will be a time of reception in the L.N. “Bill” Sparkman Family Lounge following the funeral service. The committal service and military honors will be at 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday at the Dallas/Ft. Worth National Cemetery, Lane B. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Herb Collins to the American Cancer Society.