Ronzell "Ron" B. Collins

Ronzell “Ron” B. Collins, a faithful servant to his country was called home on Friday July 14, 2023.  He was born on November 28, 1937, in Indianapolis to Leona Reynolds Collins. 

Ron heard the call of his country and joined the Marines after the Korean War.  He was part of the Joie Chitwood Auto Thrill Show as a driver.   Ron later worked for the U.S. Postal Office as a driver, retiring in 2005.

Ron was a member of the American Legion Post 276, was the past commander of the American Legion District # 11, the 40 & 8 Club, past post commander of Voiture 245 and a member of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Military Honor Guard, where he performed hundreds of funeral services.  He volunteered for several years for HVAF.

Ron was a great lover of animals and enjoyed playing claw machine and gambling and doing lottery tickets scratch off. He was a great cook, fixing meals for the American Legion. Ron wore many hats in his life, rather it would be playing Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny or dressing up as a clown for parades, he wore each one with a full and giving heart.  Ron’s passion in life was helping his fellow veterans and he will always be remembered as a true Patriot.  Ron was giving back to others till the end.

Ron is survived by his daughters Linda Kelley, Theresa Sullivan, Shellie Reynolds, son-in-law Terry Reynolds, grandchildren James Orrick, Erich Orrick, Melinda Clesser, Megan Dunn, Brett Sullivan, Kayla Sullivan, companion Thelma Colluson, nephews Mike, John, and Joe Reynolds, niece Tammy Serrano and his faithful four legged friend Buzz, and platoon of great grandchildren, family, friends, and fellow veterans.

Ron is preceded in death by his mother Leona Reynolds Collins, wife’s Ruth F. Kelley and Beverly J. Collins, sister Fritz Reynolds.

Ron’s Life Celebration® visitation will be Wednesday, July 26 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the O’Riley Branson Funeral Service and Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227.  A Celebration of Ron’s Life will follow at 6:00 PM. Inurnment will be Friday, July 28, 2023, at 2:00 PM PM at Crown Hill National Cemetery, 725 West 42nd Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208.  A formal procession will be leaving O’Riley Branson Funeral Service and Crematory at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers memorials in Ron’s name may be made to Wish for Our Heroes at http://www.wishforourheroes.org.

Please visit www.OrileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.