Collins, David Harrison

David Harrison Collins, 83, died Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at the home of his son and wife, Kevin and Jeanne Collins, of Mesa, Ariz.

He was born in Muscatine, Iowa on March 1, 1929 to Clifford Hart and Eva Maud (Drury) Collins.

After serving in the Airborne Division in occupied Japan, Mr. Collins returned to Iowa and earned his GED and welding certificate and began his career at LaPlant Choate in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After serving as union steward at the plant he was “kicked upstairs”, as he liked to put it. Over the years the business was purchased first by Allis Chalmers and then by Harnishfeger Corp. After serving as Materials Manager for several years Mr. Collins was given the assignment of Liaison Officer between the engineering department in the U.S. and a company in China. He and his wife spent two years on this assignment. On their return Mr. Collins retired after a short time.

Mr. Collins was united in marriage to Eleanore Elaine (Cookie) Elfers in 1949 and to them three sons were born, Kevin LaRoy of Mesa, and Kim Allen and Kane Drury of Kansas City. He had four grandchildren, Kendi Lynn Collins, Bree Ann Dahm of Des Moines, and Kory Douglas and Cameron Jared Collins of Kansas City; two stepgrandchildren, Jay and Terry Clang of Arizona; two great-grandchildren, Nastassja Leigh Pratt of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Karma Kay Collins of Kansas City; three stepgrandchildren, Zack, Colin and Lindsay Clang of Arizona; and one great-great-grandchild, Braydon Matthew Welch of Cedar Rapids.

He is preceded in death by his former wife, Cookie Collins; both of his parents; and all of his siblings, Ruth Schrieber, Janet Ryan, John, Betty Klein, Burton, and Clifford (Tip) Collins.

At Mr. Collins' request he has had direct cremation. The family is planning a Celebration of his Life at a later date. If you would like to attend please contact Kim Collins at kadhee@hotmail.com or call 816-582-3348.