Ryan I. Collins
Ryan I. Collins, 59, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, August 13, 2020.
Born in Muncie, on July 1, 1961, Ryan was the son of Ferry and June (Slacum) Collins. He graduated from Ben Davis High School with the class of 1979.
Ryan married Dianna Demske on December 12, 1995, at Willow Creek United Methodist Church.
He loyally and proudly served his country with the United States Marine Corps in Ordinance from 1979 to 1983. After being honorably discharged from the Marines, he served with the Airforce. Most recently Ryan has served in the U.S. Army as a water purification specialist and was a squad leader deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Perhaps his most rewarding position was rendering final honors for four years to honorably discharged veterans, those who were Killed in Action and Missing in Action. Ryan was a tremendous leader, who personified what it meant to lead by example. Ryan’s attention to detail on every military mission made him well known for who he was as a Non-Commissioned Officer. He will be deeply missed by those who led him, he served with and who directly served underneath his leadership.
Ryan enjoyed running marathons, especially any competitions held by the military. Fishing, hunting, his horse “Takoda,” and riding his motorcycle. Most importantly he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his mother June Lehigh Acres, FL; step-mother Sue Collins, Plymouth; wife Dianna, Argos; children: Cody (Cheyenne) VanLue, Mishawaka, Austin Collins, Argos; and Kaytlyn Collins, Argos; Brothers: Allen (Becky) Collins of Plymouth, Chris (Sharron) Collins, Plymouth, James (Laurie) McClellan, Plymouth, Shane (Chris) McClellan, Texas; Ron Collins, Plymouth and Dean Collins, Lehigh Acres, Fl; sisters: Alpha Collins, Plymouth, Melanie Collins, Plymouth and Terresa Glover, HI; grandchildren: Haven, Kinsley and Abigail. As well as several nieces and nephews.
Ryan was preceded in death by his father.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Aug. 21, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St. Plymouth, IN 46563.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 22, at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home with visitation an hour prior to John Epley officiating.
Burial will take place in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth with full military honors conducted by the U.S. Army.
Memorial Contributions can be made to the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 42, 8419 Quince Road, Plymouth, IN 46563.