Samuel Benton "Ben" Collins, 90, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014. Graveside service: 10 a.m. Saturday in Moore Memorial Gardens, Arlington, under the direction of Wade Family Funeral Home of Arlington. Ben was born Aug. 27, 1923, in Ennis to Idellia and Samuel Collins. Ben was an only child who grew up on a farm during the Great Depression in the small town of Emhouse. He graduated from North Texas Agricultural College in Arlington in 1942. Later, in 1942, at 19, Ben volunteered to join the Army Air Corps. He earned the rank of second lieutenant and became a bombardier on the B-17 Flying Fortress. At that position, he completed 35 bombing missions over contested enemy territory in Europe. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his valiant acts in the air against the enemy. Ben's courage in war was matched only by his grace and gentle spirit in peace. After returning from the war, he continued his civilian career at Texas Electric, where he later retired after 40 years. Ben was a lifelong Methodist and was a member of First United Methodist Church of Arlington and then Trinity United Methodist Church. Ben was preceded in death by his first wife, Ava Jane; his second wife, Myra Oaisa; and the wife of his golden years, Wanda Ruth. Survivors: Son, Larry Benton Collins and his wife, Patricia; daughter, Sherry Jane and her husband, George Averyt; grandchild, Amy and her husband, Stacey; great-grandchildren, Jacob Alan, Zachary Matthew, and Keeley Isabella. He was also loved and cared for by his stepdaughter, Cynthia Elaine; his stepgranddaughter, Emily Caroline and her husband, Wade; and he adored his stepgreat-granddaughter, Caroline Ruth; and his puppy, Trixie Lou.
Published in Star-Telegram on Aug. 7, 2014