Donnie Charles Collins, a resident of Willow Springs, passed away early Tuesday morning, April 14, 2020, while at his home in Douglas County. He was born December 26, 1954 to Lonard “Cooney” Edward Collins and Beulah Maye Collins in Cabool, MO and was 65 years old.
Donnie grew up in Howell County and attended first grade at Noblett School. After the rural schools were consolidated, he then attended school in Willow Springs. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age eighteen and completed his GED while in the military. He proudly served two years before he was honorably discharged in order to return home to care for his parents. He married Mary “Merge” Bunch on October 28, 1977 at her parents’ home. Donnie was a heavy equipment mechanic and was employed at various machinery companies. He also worked for the City of Willow Springs before he suffered an injury which required him to retire in 2014. When he wasn’t working, he loved to fish, hunt, and tinker on his tractor. He especially loved to hunt during the spring turkey season. He was a self-taught guitar player and was a member of the Blue Buck Church praise and worship team. Not only did he play the guitar, but he also wrote songs. He will be dearly missed by his family, his friends, and all who knew him.
Donnie is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jason Bunch; three sisters: Gladys Boeshans, Trilby Lovan, and Cora Baysinger. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Leland Collins and an infant brother.
He is survived by his wife, Mary “Merge” Collins; two sons, Derec Bunch and Codey Collins, both of Willow Springs; four granddaughters: Destinee, Kortnie, Jaysa, and Derika; four great-granddaughters; and two brothers, Randy Collins and Tim Collins both of Willow Springs. Further survivors include numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
A private graveside service will be held Thursday, April 16, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at the Holmes Flatrock Cemetery in Douglas County with Pastor Doug Collins officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. Online condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com
