SSG. Ryan Collins, 59, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, August 13, 2020.
Born in Muncie, Indiana on July 1, 1961 Ryan was the son of Ferry and June (Slacum) Collins. He graduated from Ben Davis High School with the class of 1979.
Ryan married Dianna Demske on December 2, 1995 at Willow Creek United Methodist Church.
He loyally and proudly served his country with the United States Marine Corps in Ordinance from 1979 to 1983. After being honorably discharged from the Marines, he served with the Airforce. Most recently Ryan has served in the U.S. Army as a Water Purification Specialist and was a squad leader deployed to the Middle East in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Perhaps his most rewarding position was rendering final honors for four years to honorably discharged veterans, those who were Killed in Action and Missing in Action. Ryan was a tremendous leader, who personified what it meant to lead by example. Ryan’s attention to detail on every military mission made him well known for who he was as an Non-Commissioned Officer. He will be deeply missed by those who led him, he served with and who directly served underneath his leadership.
Ryan enjoyed running marathons, especially any competitions held by the military. Fishing, hunting, his horse “Takoda,” and riding his motorcycle. Most importantly he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his mother June of Lehigh Acres, FL; step-mother Sue Collins of Plymouth; wife Dianna of Argos; children: Cody (Cheyenne) VanLue of Mishawaka, IN, Austin Collins of Argos and Kaytlyn Collins of Argos; Brothers: Allan (Becky) Collins of Plymouth, Chris (Sharron) Collins of Plymouth, James (Laurie) McClellan of Plymouth, Shane (Chris) McClellan of Texas, Ron Collins of Plymouth and Dean Collins of Lehigh Acres, Fl; sister’s: Alpha Collins of Plymouth, Melanie Collins of Plymouth and Terresa Glover of HI ; grandchildren: Haven, Kinsley and Abigail. As well as several nieces and nephews.
Ryan was preceded in death by his father.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 21, 2020 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St. Plymouth, IN 46563.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at 12 p.m. at the funeral home with John Epley officiating. Visitation will resume one hour prior.
Burial will take place in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth with full military honors conducted by the U.S. Army.
Memorial Contributions can be made to the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 42, 8419 Quince Road, Plymouth, IN 46563.
PLEASE NOTE: For your protection, the entire funeral home staff will wear masks. It is mandated that family members and their guests do so as well. The funeral home will not provide any masks.
Kim Morrison says
I’m so glad I had the honor of getting to know Ryan and his family when I taught his children at Culver. He truly gave himself to our country, and I will be keeping Dianna and the family in my thoughts and prayers!!â¤ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ»â¤ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ»
Paul A Wendel says
Thank you for your many years of service to our country and god bless your family and friends.
Rest Soldier!
suzanne gibson says
THE MEMBERS OF VFW AUXILIARY 1162 PLYMOUTH INDIANA ARE SADDEN TO HEAR OF RYAN’S PASSING OUR THOUGTHS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS
GOD BE WITH YOU ALL
SUZANNE GIBSON
VFW AUXILIARY CHAPLAIN
John Houin says
My condolences to all the Family. Ryan always had a great attitude.
Christoph Rieker says
I am sorry to have learned of SSG Collin’s passing. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. I had the pleasure of serving in the same platoon and company for 6 years in Lafayette. A good guy and good NCO. He will be missed.
Teresa (Teri) Glover says
We Pray for your Eternal Rest Ryan, you will be missed . . .
Our Deepest Sympathy to all family and friends . . .
The Lord bless you and keep you!
The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!
Numbers 6:24-26
Sending Love, Peace, Prayers from the Glover Clan: Teri, Justi, Michael, Fawn, Eleiko, Lili, Tavis, Lynn, Craig, Jordan
Matthew Gregory says
To the family, friends, and Ryan’s fellow Soldiers,
I offer my deepest condolences for the abrupt and unexpected loss of one of my Brothers-in-Arms. An exceptional Soldier who I have had the privilege to serve with. SSG Collins is the epitome of what it means to uphold the Army Values. Selfless Service is what he represented when he suited up, hit the switch, and did his best every time he Honored one of our Fallen. Let me be clear. What we do to Honor our men and women who have served is difficult in a way that many do not understand. It is not easy to explain. The Soldiers who step forward earn the privilege to carry on one the oldest time honored traditions that goes back to ancient times. Collins knew this in his heart. He hit that switch and was a professional every time he stepped out into a cemetery, church, or funeral home. He is one of only a few that I have met who has that spark in his soul that made him special. His loss has been difficult for me because of the rapport and friendship built over many years. You are missed, but I know you are with God. The Soldiers who stepped up to carry you home have the same spark brother. We did our best to lay you to rest with the Honor you deserved. May the good Lord ease the hearts of all who have had them broken losing you. My prayers are with you all. Rest with true peace brother.
Very respectfully,
Matthew R. Gregory
Resa says
All our love
Cindi Eads says
Sorry to hear of Ryan’s passing.
Thank you for your service Ryan..RIP.