Mark Alan Collins, age 56, of Jasonville, passed away at his home on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. He was born in Indianapolis on September 3, 1966, the son of Jerry J. and Jayne M. (Walden) Collins.
Mark was a 1984 graduate of Shakamak High School. He enlisted in the United States Army and served with SIG Company 10th Group Special Forces as a Green Beret and was a single channel radio operator. Decorations include the Army Service Ribbon, Army Lapel Button, Parachutist Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Expert Badge/Rifle M-16, and the Army Good Conduct Medal.
Following Mark’s service in the Army, he worked as a railroad engineer for the Soo Line Railroad LattaYard in Jasonville. He later worked at SAIC (Crane) as a Project Manager/Senior Technical Analyst and Advisor. He also worked at SAIC as a Field Service Representative Task Lead Project Manager, spending time in Afghanistan, Iraq, and many other countries. Mark had the highest number of departures, over 50, in the company’s history. He loved his work at SAIC, allowing him to still serve his county. He recently worked with his brother, Jeff, at Sunrise Coal Company.
Mark enjoyed making people laugh, hunting and fishing with his dad and brother (though he was not a morning person), riding motorcycles, playing cards (he was always lucky), cheering on the Chicago Cubs, his dogs, and spending time with his friends and family. He was creative and had the ability to fix anything. He was a true “Jack of All Trades”. He also volunteered for the Samaritan’s Purse. Mark loved his country and was a proud veteran. Mark had the biggest heart in helping others.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jacki Bly (Kennett) Collins; his mother, Jayne M. Collins; his daughter, Marki Bly Collins; his son, Brier Collins (Mike Dykstra); brother, Jeff (Denise) Collins; sister, Jeri (Steve) Morin; nephews and nieces, Derek (Sarah) Collins, Brooke (Cort) Griffith, Brandon (Haley) Morin, Dylan (Bailey) Collins, Jaxson Kennett, and Tate Kennett; father-in-law, Jack (Cheryl) Kennett; mother-in-law, Teddi Sue; brother-in-law, Casey (Casey) Kennett; several great nephews and nieces; and many wonderful friends.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Visitation will be held at Cox Funeral Home in Jasonville on Saturday, July 15, 2023 from 2:00 until the time of Military and Funeral Service at 6:00 P.M., with Mark Messmer officiating.
Online condolences may be shared at www.coxfuneralhomejasonville.com.
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