Douglas R. Collins

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Douglas Rowan Collins, of Lakeland, Florida, formerly of Battle Creek, Michigan, on January 23, 2026, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother.

Doug was born May 27, 1941, in Marshall, Michigan, to Milo Sr. and L. Jeanette (Pat) Collins. Doug was married to the love of his life, Betty (DeVoll) Collins, and they shared 64 years together. Doug is the father of Jeffrey (Kimberly) Collins, of Battle Creek, MI; grandfather to Whitney (Paul) Freeburn, of Battle Creek, MI; Nickolas (Ashley) Collins, of Paulding, OH; and Zackary (Jessica) Collins, of Eagle Lake, FL. Great-grandfather to Natalie and Clayton Collins, of Paulding, OH, and Cheyenne and Candice Collins, of Eagle Lake, FL. Two sisters, Jean King, of Battle Creek, MI, and Barbara Grant, of Marshall, MI, along with many nieces and nephews.

Doug was predeceased by a son, Gerald, and daughter, Karen; his parents; a brother, Milo Collins Jr.; sister-in-law Kathleen (Katie) Collins; and three brothers-in-law, James Grant, Fred Gordon, and Richard King.

Doug was a City of Marshall firefighter for 33 years, retiring in 1992 as an Assistant Chief. He began a new career as an ostrich farmer. He also was a courier for Regional Medical Lab.

He enjoyed collecting NASCAR memorabilia and was a magician most of his life. He raised doves for magicians, including Harry Blackstone Jr., Lance Burton, and many other magicians all over the world.

There will be a celebration of life in June in Michigan.