A memorial service for Loren Donald Collins, 73, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 15, 2014, at Central Church of Christ.

Mr. Collins died at 12:52 p.m., Monday, March 3, 2014, at Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri.

He was born March 21, 1940, at Elijah, Missouri, to Donald Newton Collins and Clarice Inez Boswell Collins.  On March 28, 1963, he was married at Elijah, Missouri, to Vernetta Tackitt.  Mr. Collins was a veteran, having served in the United States Navy.  Mr. Collins was a plant engineer at International Shoe Company.  He enjoyed playing his guitar and singing at the West Plains Senior Citizens Center, Caulfield Community Building and many other locations.  Mr. Collins was a member of the Church of Christ and attended Central Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife, Vernetta Collins, of the family home; five children, Julia Patton, husband, Kenneth, Craig Collins, wife, Georgia, Donnie Collins, wife, Amy, Glen Collins and Bryan Collins; seven grandchildren, Jarron Collins, Jasmine Collins, Bud Collins, Megan Collins, Josh See, Wyatt Collins and Jaden Collins; two great-grandchildren, Kendra and Amber; two brothers, John Collins and Jim Collins, wife, Alice; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents and one infant sister, Judy Collins, precede him in death.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Paragould Children's Home, and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.