Earnest Leroy Collins

Sonny was born May 1, 1948 in Sulphur to the late William Taylor & Effie Mae (Heldenbrand) Collins. He died Thursday, January 5, 2017 in Sulphur, at the age of 68. Sonny and the former Ms. Patricia Gaylene Madison were married on December 25, 1965 in Sulphur. She preceded him in death on October 11, 2003.

Sonny grew up in Sulphur where he attended school. In August 1965 he joined the United States Army and served during the Vietnam era. Following an Honorable discharge from the Army in November of 1966, Sonny returned to Sulphur where he began a career in the restaurant industry. He operated the Arbuckle Café and Bills Drive Inn, both of Sulphur and later the Burger Supreme in Healdton. After many years in the restaurant business, Sonny began a second career in the Oil Field industry, where he worked as a rig hand until a work related accident forced him to retire in 1983. In his spare time, he enjoyed going to flea markets and garage sales, buying items and then selling them for profit. Sonny was an avid domino player and liked to cook. Of all the enjoyments of his life, his most favorite was spending time with his family.

Survivors include two daughters, Terri (Collins) Vallun & husband Rickey of Pine Bluff, AR and Amanda (Collins) Gazaway & husband Tracy of Rison, AR; seven grandchildren, Rickey, JR & Chris Vallun, Tricia Cothran and Austin, Taylor, Autumn & Matthew Gazaway; seven great-grandchildren, Kloe, Talan, Mason, Colton, Leah, Jordan and Carter; one sister, Sue Collins of Lawton; one brother, Archie Collins of Cache; as well as several nieces & nephews, including Judy Harris & husband Gary of Davis.

In addition to his wife and parents, Sonny was preceded in death by two brothers, Bobby & Wayne Collins.

1/9/2017
10:00 AM
07:00 PM
Viewing
Hale's Funeral Home
202 South 4th Street
Davis
OK
73030



1/10/2017
09:00 AM
12:00 PM
Viewing
Hale's Funeral Home
202 South 4th Street
Davis
OK
73030



1/10/2017
02:00 PM

Graveside
Green Hill Cemetery
W. Ellis Street
Davis
OK
73030