Olan Garnie Collins 74, of Beavercreek, Ohio was born to Garnie Jackson Collins and Irma Iona Cole Collins on April 30, 1947. He departed this life for the arms of his Savior on Jan. 25,2022, after a lengthy illness at his daughter’s home in Beavercreek, Ohio.

Our Hero volunteered to serve his country during a time when others were hiding. He honorably served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corp from 1966 to 1968. During which time he earned The Purple Heart Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Sharpshooter Badge, National Defense Service Medal. Afterward, he turned his attention to family life. He shared his love of the great outdoors with his son, brothers and buddies on numerous hunting and fishing trips. He enjoyed training his many bird dogs over the years and his bird dog, Duke always held a special place in his heart. What people may remember most about him was his ever present smile along with his brilliant stories and jokes that have been shared all over the world on his extensive travels during his long career in the petrochemical industry.

He was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Vivian Kaye McCraw Collins; infant son, Eric Russell Collins and his parents.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter and caregiver, Scarlett Lambert (Tim) of Beavercreek, Ohio; son, Stephen Collins (Erica) of Corpus Christi, Texas; grandchildren, Shelby Lambert (Sarah) of Huntsville, Ala., Logan Lambert of Beavercreek, Ohio and Vivian Collins of Corpus Christi, Texas; siblings, Joan Harper of Cole Central, Rita Cooley (Wade), Lyndon Collins (Darlene) and Grady Collins (Gaylyn) all of DeRidder, La. His second wife, Sharon Scott Collins of Corpus Christi, Texas; step-children, Lana Luke, Nicole Groves and Cody Groves; step-grandchildren, Derek Hebert, Kelli Hebert, Hunter Groves, Saylem Villarreal, Iylan Groves and Shyla Groves; as well as, numerous other close family, friends and colleagues all over the world.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Smyrna Baptist Church, 230 Smyrna Church Rd., DeRidder, La. Memorial Services will follow the gathering at 2 p.m. at the church.

Olan will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

To leave a memory of Olan or a special message for the family, please visit NewcomerDayton.com.