Darrel Lyle Collins

November 20, 1933 - January 6, 2017

Darrel Lyle Collins, 83, passed away Friday, January 6, 2017 at his home. Darrel was born November 20, 1933 in Timberlake, South Dakota to James and Goldie Collins. At the age of five his family moved to McMinnville, Oregon.

Darrel attended McMinnville schools, graduating in 1952. During high school Darrel met the love of his life and married Betty Ebert December 5, 1954 in McMinnville. They were married 62 years.

Shortly after graduation he went to work for Southern Pacific Railroad, working his way through the ranks and retiring July 30, 1988 as District Sales Manager in Medford. After retirement Darrel and Betty traveled the U.S. in their fifth-wheel, finally spending the winter months in Yuma, Arizona. A lot of their time was spent on the southern Oregon coast where Darrel and Betty enjoyed salmon fishing, beach combing, and watching the ocean.

Darrel was very active in coaching his sons through their time in baseball. Darrel was instrumental in getting the baseball program reinstated at Phoenix High School in 1973 after a long hiatus. In 2014 Darrel, along with Larry James, was inducted into the Phoenix High School Athletic Hall of Fame for Meritorious Service for building the original baseball field on Colver Road from the ground up, where Phoenix High baseball is still played to this day.

Darrel was on the Budget Committee of the Phoenix-Talent School District; member of Kiwanis Club; and later, the Medford Rotary Club. On November 16, 1986, Darrel was responsible for shipping the nation's Capital Christmas tree by rail from northern California to Washington DC. Darrel received a plaque from President Ronald Reagan in appreciation for his service.

Darrel enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and bow hunter, sharing this passion with his sons and grandsons.

Darrel's pride and joy were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nothing brought a quicker smile to his face than visits from his grandkids.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; his children, Mark (Barb), Sandy Davenport (Jeff), Dirk (Rhonda), and Brent (Kim); eight grand-children; seven great-grandchildren; and his sister, Joyce Olson, of McMinnville. Darrel was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Bob and; two sisters, Marge and Lavon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in the name of Darrel Collins to Asante Hospice, 2960 Doctors Park Drive, Medford, Ore. 97504. To help in the fight against dementia and Alzheimer's, contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 1650 NW Naito Parkway Suite 190, Portland, Ore. 97209 or at www.alz.org/oregon/in_my_community_donate.asp .

A small, private family service is being planned with a celebration of life to be held this spring.