John William Collins' Obituary
John William Collins August 21, 1996 - October 1, 2023
John was born in Phoenix, Arizona to Ken and Paula Collins. He attended Raymond S. Kellis High School before studying Trombone Performance at the University of Arizona. He was a brother of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia for the duration of his time at university. After college, John joined the United States Marine Corps as a trombone player. He was a proud member of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) Band in San Diego, California where he achieved the rank of Corporal.
John was an amazing young man with many talents and the kindest soul, warming the hearts of all who knew him. He brought light and joy to the world wherever he went, and will be immensely missed. He was an avid disc golfer, a competitive fantasy football player, and lover of the most complex board games. He enjoyed a host of hobbies and was an engaging story teller, creative and imaginative, goofy and enthusiastic, he went through life with a smile on his face and a tune in his head.
John used his tremendous talent for playing trombone to serve his country as a musician in the United States Marine Corps. He finished his term of service on August 4, 2023, and just began work in his second career as a computer technical specialist in a contracted civilian department of the United States Marine Corps.
John was a devoted husband, a loving son, and a loyal friend.
He was proceeded in death by great-grandparents, Carl and Wilma Collins, Margaret Ford, William and Clara Vavak, grandfather, William Deakins, and is survived by his wife, Eden Gateretse, parents, Ken and Paula Collins, mother-in-law, Stacey Adams, grandparents, Bill and Maryann Collins, Pauline Deakins, and Dennis and Vivian Adams, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Life Remembrance service is scheduled for Friday, October 13th at Alhiser-Comer Mortuary, 225 South Broadway, Escondido, CA starting at 5:00 p.m.
A memorial service, with military honors, will be on Sunday, October 15th at Royal Palms Baptist Church, 8802 North 19th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ starting at 2:00 p.m.
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