Jack Collins

Jack E. Collins age 79 of Purcell, passed away Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017 at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital. Jack was born November 30, 1937 in Ft. Towson, OK. He was the oldest of four children born to Jack Henry Collins and Wilma Francis (Beal) Collins. Jack lived his younger years in Ft. Towson and his high school years in Butler, OK, where he graduated with the class of 1955. While in high school Jack enjoyed playing baseball and basketball. He spent his first year of college at Southwestern and his final three years at Southeastern, graduating with a B.S. degree in Education in 1959. He also served 5 ½ years in the U. S. Army Reserves. Jack's first job moved him to Purcell where he met and later married Jimmieline Tenison. They were married on March 11, 1961 and remained living in Purcell all of their lives. Jack worked one year for the U. S. Soil Conservation and two years for the OK State Hwy Dept. in Purcell. Then in 1965 he went to work for OEC, stationed in Norman. He retired in 1996 after 31 years as an Engineer. Jack's lifelong hobby was calf roping. He began riding and roping as a young boy and continued roping up until a few years ago. Over the years he won numerous weekend roping events across Oklahoma and Texas. He was a great mentor and helped many young ropers learn the basics of calf roping. For many years he trained roping horses that eventually won national titles by professional calf ropers. After he retired for OEC he dedicated all of his time to his hobby. However he did enjoy spending time each and every morning, drinking coffee with his buddies at Val's and later at Ruby's restaurant in Purcell. And if he wanted to get out of town for a great steak, he only went to Cattleman's. Jack was preceded in death by: Parents, Jack Henry and Wilma Collins; Sister-in-law, Tommieline Richardson; He is survived by: Wife, Jimmieline of the home in Purcell; Brother, Bert Collins and wife Pat of Ft. Towson, OK, Two sisters, Joetta Garcia and Shirley Speck, also of Ft. Towson; Sister-in-law, Pat Whitaker and husband Harold of Lexington, Brother-in-law, Dale Richardson and wife Nancy of Purcell. Also many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.

Jack Collins

November 30, 1937 - February 18, 2017