Obituary Detail
January 30, 2024
Gordon Lowell Collins, Age:90
November 3, 1933 – January 30, 2024
Gordon Lowell Collins (1933-2024) was born at Fort Sheridan, IL; he passed away peacefully in Richardson, TX, surrounded by his family at the age of 90.
He was a graduate of Texas High School in Texarkana, TX. He earned an Associate Degree at the University of Texas at Arlington; a Bachelor of Music Degree at Texas Tech University; and a Master Degree in Education at the University of North Texas. At Texas Tech, he commanded the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) band, served as President of the Texas Tech Symphony, and served on the Department of Music Executive Council; he was also an officer in Kappa Kappa Psi and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternities. He served as a Platoon Leader and Infantry Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Far East Command in the peacekeeping forces at the end of the Korean War.
He married Mary Kathryn Rankin in 1966; they had four sons and divorced in 1991. He married Mary Anne Craig in 2002; he was the loving stepfather to Mary Anne’s two sons and daughter.
Professionally, he was a high school band director of marching and concert bands for over 30 years throughout North Texas in Collin County, Dallas County, Tarrant County, and Denton County. He started the music and band program in Lewisville, TX in 1957, where he served as the Director until 1965. He was a past Region Vice Chairman and Band Chairman of the Texas Music Educators Association. He was elected to the Phi Beta Mu Honorary Bandmasters fraternity in 1965. He was the Director of W.T. White band for many years; under his leadership, the band became the first Dallas Independent School District band to attain a UIL Sweepstakes Award in 1976. He also enjoyed working at/with the Cotton Bowl Pageantry for 24 years organizing and facilitating the pre-game and halftime events at the annual Cotton Bowl football game.
He performed with the Brookhaven Choral Society, and in numerous church choirs and musicals throughout his life. He loved doing yard work and helping others. Water skiing, table tennis, recycling, playing numerous musical instruments, travelling, singing, performing onstage, and coin collecting were some of his interests. He survived several battles with cancer. He lived a selfless life, focusing on helping/serving others and teaching/nurturing thousands of children/teenagers through his churches, through music, and through education. He always had a joke to tell and he always made an effort to get anyone and everyone to smile.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Anne Craig-Collins of Richardson; son, Todd Collins and his wife, Rachelle, of San Antonio; son, Ryan Collins and his wife, Gina, of New Market, MD; son, Kevin Collins of Richardson; son, Sean Collins and his wife, Lindsey, of McKinney; three grandsons, Jackson and Charlie Collins and Aidan Bruce; seven granddaughters, Rylie, Anna, Avery, Adalyn, Julianna, Allison, and Caroline Collins; his sister-in-law, Lucille Collins of Texarkana; nephew, Chris Collins of Texarkana; two nieces, Karen Collins McGowan and husband Mike of Tatum, and Sharon Collins of Carrolton; stepson Mike Craig and his wife Lynn, of Naples, FL; stepdaughter Michelle Craig of Richardson; as well as several step-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father Robert S. Collins, Sr.; his mother Florence Anderson; his stepmother Nellie Naomi Collins; his brother Robert S. Collins, Jr.; and his stepson Mark Craig.
The funeral service will be on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. (CT) at The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany located at 421 Custer Road, Richardson, TX 75080.
The live service will be streamed online via Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/epiphanyepiscopal/videos/?ref=page_internal.
Subsequently, the service will be archived on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheEpiscopalChurchoftheEpiphany/videos.
In lieu of sending flowers, please consider donating to the Texas Bandmasters Association, the Texas Music Educators Association, or the American Cancer Society in Gordon’s name.
Cards may be sent in Gordon’s honor to: Ryan Collins, 5602 Worchester Court, New Market, MD 21774.
Photo Gallery
Condolences
Lacey Cook Southerland March 10, 2024
WTW band student, 1976-1980 Longview , Texas
Hard to believe that I’m 62 years old and memorializing one of my mentors during my teens. What a tremendous life he lived! I always felt fortunate that I was a French horn player who had a horn player as my band director! He was one of my favorite teachers. I’m so glad he was surrounded by a family who obviously loved and respected him. The tribute on Facebook was wonderful! May God continue to bless you with beautiful memories of Mr. Collins.
Doug Walsdorf March 15, 2024
Student San Antonio , Texas
At W.T. White High School, Mr. Collins meant so much to so many, and helped shape so many musical lives. One of the greatest joys in my life was finding him for our big 2005 W.T. White anniversay celebration and later ones. RIP, Mr. Collins. 🙏🙏🙏
frances long March 16, 2024
friend ,
The memories come fast and so many, so many joys and tears, helping with so many projects, being such a dedicated teacher and friend, my piano, the trip to Missouri, Houston and being a caring friend. His story was special to all of us . God Bless each and every one of you. Mary Anne and the whole family as you go on with more joys and tears. He will be missed
Jo Wallace-Abbie March 25, 2024
Coĺleague Rocklin , California
I'm so very sorry to hear of Gordon's passing. I was thinking of him today and Googled his name and found this sad news. I met him when I first started teaching back in 1979, and then we taught together in the music department at WT White HS. He was one of my favorite people!
