Joseph E. Collins

Joseph Edward Collins was born April 13, 1929 and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, the second son of Norvin "Hughie" and Myrtle O'Rourke Collins. As a teenager in World War II with an older brother serving in the Coast Guard, Joseph decided early to make the military his career. Joseph attended Pennsylvania Military College, graduating in June, 1950 as the Distinguished Military Graduate and commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. His specialty was artillery/missals/nuclear weapons. Joseph proudly served in the US Army until his retirement in November, 1970. Joseph served in Korean War from 1950 to 1952 with the 2nd Infantry Division. In February, 1951, his unit, the 503rd Field Artillery Battalion (155MM ) , still a segregated unit, fought in the major battles of Chip-yong-ni and Wonju, which resulted in repulsing a powerful Chinese counter offensive. As a result of this victory, Joseph's unit was part of the regiment that was awarded both a US Presidential Unit Citation and a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. In April, 1951, Joseph was wounded by a land mine and was awarded the Purple Heart. After going to a MASH hospital and being medivaced to Japan, he returned to combat in Korea, returning home in 1952. He was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, which would prove to be Joseph's primary stateside assignment during his military career. Joseph served in the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1966 with the 1st Infantry Division, providing artillery support to the Corp of Engineers while they built the harbor at Cam Rahn Bay and later in Bien Hoa. In addition to his combat tours, Joseph spent a total of nine years in England and Germany fighting the Cold War, working with other branches of the service as well as the Bundeswehr and the military of other countries. For his military service, Joseph was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, US Korean Service Medal w/Silver Service Star (representing five major campaigns), US Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Bronze service Stars, UN Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, ROK Korean War Service Medal, the RVN Cross of Gallantry w/Palm and the ROK Civil Action Medal Unit Citation w/Palm. Upon Joseph's retirement from the US Army, he worked for Farmer's Lumber Company in Lawton, Oklahoma before moving to Lindsey, Oklahoma where he worked for Lindsey Builders before finally retiring. He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching football, playing on-line games and reading his emails. Joseph was also a member of the Elks Lodge. He married Karen Frances Pocklington on February 27, 1976 in Las Vegas, Nevada. After living in Lawton, OK for a few years, they established a home in Lindsey, OK in 1979. He is survived by his wife, Karen, of the home. He is survived by the following children: Pat and Danny Miller, Fletcher, OK Joe Collins, Tulsa, OK Mary and Dan Scarborough, Hurst, TX Phil and Karen Collins, Antlers, OK Penny Dodd, San Antonio, TX Cindy and Tommy Ramming, Lindsey, OK He is also survived by the following grandchildren: Georgia Miller, Weatherford, Oklahoma Patrick Miller, Norman, Oklahoma Randee Ramming, Lindsay, Oklahoma Buffy Miller, Bedford, Texas Joseph Alexander Collins, Tulsa, Oklahoma Ben Scarborough, Hurst, Texas Sam Scarborough, Hurst Texas Brandie Dodd Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Dylan Dodd, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Kelli Stephens, Cincinnati, Ohio Van Higginbottom, Antlers, Oklahoma and one Godson, Ayden Ramage Joseph also leaves behind his great-grandchildren; Bailey, Rowan, Garrett, McKenzie, Brooklyn and Abby, his brother?s family; Connie Collins and Ronnie Hales, Wilmington, NC and Corky Collins of Arlington, Virginia. He is preceded in death by his parents, Norvin and Myrtle Collins, his older brother, Norvin "Rip" Collins, and a son, Joseph Hugh Collins. Memorial serv

Joseph E. Collins

April 13, 1929 - August 12, 2006

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services