Don P. Collins

Today we gather in both gratitude and remembrance to honor the life of Don P. Collins, an extraordinary man whose generosity, compassion, and devotion to his family touched countless lives. Don was a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather whose presence brought warmth and joy to all who knew him.

Born in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, into a family of oil wildcatters, Don’s early years took him through the rugged landscapes of North and South Dakota before his family settled in his mother’s hometown of Murray, Kentucky. After graduating from Murray State High School, he spent several years behind the microphone, where his warm and soothing bass voice became familiar to many as a local radio DJ. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, playing a vital role in ensuring the readiness of the nation’s bomber force during some of the most challenging years of the Cold War.

Don embarked on a distinguished career with IBM at a young age, rising through the ranks to achieve significant professional success. His dedication and excellence were recognized repeatedly, including commendations from the President of IBM. His colleagues and friends will remember him as a man of integrity, intellect, and quiet generosity.

Family defined Don’s life from beginning to end. He and his first wife were blessed with three wonderful daughters, and their years together remained a treasured part of his story. After her passing, Don was fortunate to discover a second great love—a devoted marriage of 30 years that brought healing, laughter, and companionship. In this new chapter, he embraced another daughter as his own. His four daughters filled his life with immense pride, and his adoring grandchildren and great granddaughter brought him boundless joy. He was excited to welcome his first great grandson in February.

Don’s memory will be cherished by his loving wife, Sally (Hein) Collins, of Orange Beach, Alabama; his daughters Kelly (Collins) Meder and her husband Ron Meder, of Cincinnati; Tammy (Collins) Hoskins and her husband Joe Hoskins, of Northern Kentucky; Sara (Collins) Kwiatt and her husband Karl Kwiatt, of Cleveland; and Lindsey (Vales) Rutter and her husband Dereck Rutter, of West Chester, Ohio. He is also survived by his sister Susie (Collins) Rogers and her husband Craig, of Greer, South Carolina; his brother James “Sam” Collins of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Durres, Albania; his five grandchildren (Jack Meder (Danielle), Collin Kwiatt, Keegan Kwiatt, Madison Rutter, Michael Rutter); great granddaughter (Charlotte Meder); as well as numerous cousins and many dear friends across Alabama, California, Kentucky, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Tennessee.

Don P. Collins will be remembered with admiration and love by all whose lives he touched. His legacy endures through his family, his service, his accomplishments, and the kindness he showed so freely

Visitation will be held at Hodapp Funeral Home, 6410 Cincinnati Dayton Rd., Liberty Twp., OH 45044, on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 10 AM until time of funeral service at 11 AM. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation through Don's Tribute Page: http://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php?id=3403&np=true