Donald L. Collins

Donald L. Collins was born January 27, 1935, in Indianapolis, Indiana to parents Manson Collins of Clarksville, Tn and Laverne Nowlen of Indianapolis, Indiana. Donald departed this life on August 25, 2020, at 2:30 a.m. at his residence.

Donald relocated to Mound City, IL early in his life where he attended White Chapel Methodist AME church. Donald graduated from Lovejoy High School in Mound City, IL where he was the class of 1953 valedictorian. He later attended Lane University in Jacksonville, TN where he graduated in 1957. Lane University is where Donald became a brother of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. After graduating from college, Donald began his career in education by teaching in Charleston, MO. In 1958 Donald L. Collins joined the US Army serving his basic training Division I in Fort Riley, Kansas.

Later in his life Donald relocated to Cleveland, Ohio where he was an educator for the Cleveland Metropolitan School system for over 32 years. Donald was very proud to be a part of Nathan Hale Junior High School where he was also the head basketball coach, assistant track coach, and assistant football coach. After a long career in education, Donald retired from the Cleveland school system. He was also employed by the City Of Cleveland, Ohio for a short period of time throughout his career.

Donald enjoyed being a part of his community by serving on the board of the Cleveland Baseball Federation and Nuny Football & Basketball Association for over 20 years. He also served as President of Cleveland Old Timers club from 2009-2013.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents: Manson Collins & Laverne Nowlen; son: Donald C. Collins; granddaughter: LaWanda Wells; and grandson: Rashad Woods.

Donald leaves to cherish his memory: two daughters – Sabrina (Ron) Futre of Cleveland, Ohio and Lynette (Craig) Farmer of Louisville, Kentucky; two sons - Reginald (Zenobia) Collins of Madison, Ohio and Terry (Tiche) Tolliver of Cincinnati, Ohio; daughter-in-law, Alicia Collins of Indinapolis, Indiana; uncle, Earl Nowlen of Indianapolis, Indiana; 13 grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Friends ‘til the end: Joe Wise & Donald Stewart.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald L. Collins, please visit our floral store.