Cooper O'Neal Collins

Cooper O’Neal Collins, age 75 of Salida, passed away on February 4, 2022 at his home in Salida. Mr. Collins was born August 15, 1946 in Little Rock, AR to Bonnie Ellington Collins and Cooper Conway Collins. He graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1964 and enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He was stationed aboard the USS Estes in the South China Sea and was honorably discharged in 1968. He enrolled that same year at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where he graduated in 1973 with a degree in finance and moved to Colorado where he worked for United Bank of Boulder. He later attended LSU’s graduate banking program. In 1976, Cooper returned to Arkansas to continue his work in banking. After leaving banking, Cooper worked briefly for the State of Arkansas and then as an investigator for the Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney. He and his wife moved back to Colorado in 2011 and lived in Salida until is passing. Cooper was a proud member of a Recovery Program for 32 years and sponsored other community members during his involvement. No matter where he lived, he became an active member of a local group. Cooper had a profound appreciation and love for music. He could reference any song or artist through his eclectic taste. With such a true love to expression, Cooper attended many live concerts and was a special fan of the Grateful Dead. In retirement, Cooper and his wife attended the Burning Man Festival several times. He enjoyed skiing, both snow and water. Many pleasant days were spent on Lake Ouachita and Lake Norfork in Arkansas. He also loved 4-wheeling in his Jeep and watching his favorite football teams, the Broncos, the Razorbacks and the LSU Tigers. Cooper was blessed with a son who was born in 1981. William Ellington Collins was the pride and light of Cooper’s life. Sadly Will passed away in 1998. They can finally boat into the sunset together. Cooper was preceded in death by his parents and his son. He is survived by his wife Susan Tucker Collins, his brother Jeff Collins, sister-in-law Debi Collins, niece Julian Brooks, nephew Adams Collins, grandniece Henley Brooks, step sons Hugh Emmett, “Bud” Wilson, Stephen A. Raynolds, daughter-in-law Jan Coleman, granddaughter Ashton Beach and grandson Andrew Jenkins. Friends who desire may make memorial contributions to the Encompass Hospice, PO Box 1168, Salida, CO 81201. On line condolences may be sent to the family at lewisandglenn.com. Arrangements are with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cooper O'Neal Collins, please visit our floral store.