JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Mr. Damon M. Collins, 93, of Jacksonville, dearly beloved by all, passed away peacefully after a short illness at his home on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008 surrounded by his loving family. He was a Baptist.
Damon was born Feb. 15, 1915 in Floyd County, Ky., the son of the late Iven and Anna Slone Collins. He traveled extensively in his younger days from Canada to Mexico.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lillian McGraw Collins; three brothers, Cross, London, and Edward Collins and three sisters, Alberta Collins Cornell, Nancy Collins Parsons and Joy Collins Smith.
He was a professional chef and his wife a professional pastry chef. They met at work and he always said that she baked the best apple pies. He also enjoyed building houses in his later years with his brother Cross. He missed visiting his brother London who passed away several years ago. He always claimed London was his best friend, who shared many similar interests. He was loved by his many friends and family, some still living in Zephyrhills, Crystal Springs and Jacksonville, Fla.
He is survived by two sisters and a brother, Kenova Collins Edgar, of Wooster, Ohio, and Betty Collins Eubanks and Lloyd Raymond Collins, who both reside in the Ironton, Ohio area. Damon was especially loved by his many nieces and nephews. Damon resided in Jacksonville, Fla., with his niece, Diana Kay Collins Smith and her husband, John Smith. Uncle Damon will be sadly missed by his great great niece, Kaylee Ann Manjarrez of Jacksonville, and his adopted family, Wayne and Myrna Jordan of Middleburg, Fla.
Damon was a quiet, gentle, caring man who enjoyed the outdoors and looking at nature. He liked to read and would take long walks everyday for his health. He loved sharing memories of his childhood, his early adulthood adventures about growing up in Ohio and Kentucky, and his service with the U.S. Army as a cook in WW II with his friends and family. He was a member of the AmVet Post 550 and the American Legion both located in Zephyrhills, Fla. He was a peaceful, gentle man who enjoyed everyone. He also took great pleasure in caring for his yard. Words can’t express how much he will be missed.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at the Tracy Brammer Funeral Home, Ironton, Ohio with burial to follow in Collins Cemetery, Lawrence County, Ohio. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.