Graveside service with full military honors for SFC (Retired) Archie A. Collins will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, Oklahoma with Rev. Mike Teel, Pastor, Cameron Baptist Church officiating.

Services are under the direction of the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

The family will greet friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the funeral home.

SFC (Retired) Archie A. Collins, 96, of Lawton, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2024. Born on May 13, 1928, in Centralia, Oklahoma. Archie was the beloved son of Taylor William Collins and Effie Mae Collins (Heldenbrand).

On Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1952, in Warrington, Ohio, Archie married Lois G. Rogers.

Archie proudly served his country as a soldier in the United States Army, where he received numerous medals, including the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal (6th award), and the National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star, Army of Occupation Medal with Germany clasp, the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze service stars, the Korea Defense Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with Device.

After retiring from military service, Archie turned his attention to civilian life, where he owned and operated a successful HVAC business. He was a proud member of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Archie's hobbies and passions reflected his multifaceted character. He was an accomplished craftsman who enjoyed playing and building guitars and violins. A dedicated genealogist, Archie invested countless hours researching his family's history, connecting the past to the present. An avid ham radio operator and former beekeeper, he also cherished the companionship of his beloved dogs and cats, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Archie is survived by his six children, David Collins and wife Deedra of Ackworth, Georgia, Karen Warner and husband Skip of Lawton, Oklahoma, Della Scroggins and husband Mike of Cache, Oklahoma, Linda Shubert and husband Sam of Lawton, Oklahoma, Daniel Collins and wife Janell of Sapulpa, Oklahoma and Gary Collins and wife Lisa of Spring Branch, Texas; grandchildren, Melinda Collins, Stephen Warner and wife Holly, Megan Pender and husband Lemont, Jared Scroggins, Kacie Foreman and husband Josh, Samantha Geiger and husband Trevor, Courtney Thiessen and husband Nathan, Christopher Collins, Taylor Collins, Sara Helff and husband Florian, Addie Collins and Emma Collins; nine great grandchildren, one sister, Connie Sue Collins of Davis, Oklahoma and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded by his wife Lois, daughter, Sandra Hamilton, his parents, three brothers, Wayne, Sonny and Bobby Collins, grandson, Kenneth Hamilton, granddaughter, Pamela Collins and cousin, Elsie Whiteside.