Don Collins

Don Rex Collins, 87, of rural Gaston died Sunday, November 6, 2016 at his residence after an extended illness.
Don Rex was born in Gilman, IN on December 18, 1928 and was the son of Basil E. and Margree G. (Jackson) Collins.
Don Rex was a member of the Living Hope Christian Church, Gaston, the United States Trotting Association and the Indiana Standardbred Association
A 1946 graduate of Gaston High School, Don Rex had been a lifelong farmer and devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved working the farm, raising horses and harness racing. He always enjoyed spending time with his family and was faithful and helping hand to all his friends and neighbors.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Joyce K. (Reese) Collins; his children, Nila J. Collins, Teena M. (Mike) Petro, Brian J. Collins, Brent (Karen) Collins and Shana (Jeff) Carmin; brother, Sylvester ( Janet) Cooper; a sister, Carroll L. (Guy) Millspaugh. Also surviving are his eight grandchildren, Ronnie (Lisa) Fields, Evan Blankenbaker, Brandon Petro, Kameron Petro, Reese Collins, Trace Collins, Addison Carmin and Carter Carmin as well as eight great grandchildren, Caitlyn Fields, Andrew Fields, Nicholas Fields, Matthew Fields, Konner Bland, Kennedy Petro, McKenna Petro and Carson Petro.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Dennis Rex Collins.
Funeral services are 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 11, 2016 at Living Hope Christian Church, 14300 N 900 W, Gaston, IN with Rev. Brandon Petro officiating. Burial will follow in Thompson Cemetery, Gaston.
Friends may call from 4:00pm to -8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 10, 2016 at the church and one hour prior to the service on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials are made to the Living Hope Christian Church, 14300 N 900 W, Gaston, IN 47342 or in care of the funeral home.
Whetsel Funeral Service of Alexandria is honored to serve the family of Don Rex Collins.