Martin Dean Collins, 92, passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at the Hemingford Community Care Center. He was born November 30, 1930 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Alliance, Nebraska. He was the 5th of 11 children born to James and Oda Byrd Collins.
He grew up on the family farm north of Alliance and attended elementary school at District 10, graduating from St. Agnes High School. He met his lifelong love, Lois Moravek, at a dance west of Hemingford. They were married May 6, 1950. Martin enlisted in the Air Force shortly after and they were stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming and Austin, Texas. While they were in Texas, the first of their 8 children was born. They moved home following Martin’s discharge and began farming. Martin and Lois were a part of the Box Butte County farming community all their lives. When Lois’ health began to fail, they moved to the Hemingford Community Care Center in 2019, where they both lived the remainder of their lives. Martin served as Legion Commander for Alliance, a lifelong member of St. Bridget Catholic Church and Holy Rosary Catholic Church, and served on the school board for District 40.
Martin had a soft spot in his big heart for babies, both human and animal. He brought home
many stray or injured animals to nurse back to health. On holidays, he could be found with a
baby on his shoulder, usually a grand or great grandchild. He was a skilled baker, and known for the best raisin bread, affectionately called “Grandpa Bread” by all the grandkids, gifting many loaves and wreaths to neighbors and family. He had the best sense of humor and was very proud of his Irish heritage. He was a true farmer, a steward of the land. He had a love of nature and the stars and passed that love along to all of his children and grandchildren.
Martin was preceded in death by his wife, Lois, his son, Randy, two sons-in-law, Dean Morse
and Mike Trumble, his parents and 8 of his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his children, DeAnn Morse of Ainsworth, NE, Terri Collins of Alliance, NE, Sharon Trumble of Alliance, NE, Lynelle (Bryce) Bump of Cheyenne, WY, Bryan (Mel) Collins of Alliance, NE, Dale (Natalie) Collins of Alliance, NE, and Wanda (Chris) Raymond of Ainsworth, NE, as well as sixteen grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Richard Collins of Alliance and David Collins of Lake Mary, FL.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Matt Koperski officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery with military honors. A lunch will follow at the Lyceum. A wake service will be Monday, January 9 at 6:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
Memorials may be given to St. Agnes Academy Foundation, Box Butte County 4H Council or the Hemingford Community Care Center.
Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.