A celebration of life for Cary Wayne Collins, 87, will be held on Saturday, March 28, at 2:00 p.m., at Emory Baptist Church.
Mr. Collins died on March 16, 2026. He was born on April 6, 1938, in Le Mars, Iowa, to Wayne Oliver Collins and Faye Margaret Nash.
Mr. Collins graduated from Le Mars High School in 1956, where he developed a love for mathematics, and pursued it academically at Colorado State University. Upon earning his bachelor’s degree, he embarked on a career that led him around the world as a project manager for Rockwell International, where he contributed his intellect and leadership to the development of satellite and navigation systems for submarines.
In 1956 he married Carolyn Jane Mallette in their hometown of Le Mars and they had six sons. He enjoyed coaching their little league teams, and times spent on the water, fishing and traveling the world. He had a good sense of humor and his sarcasm often brought laughter to those around him. His intelligence was matched by his ability to find joy in the everyday,
Mr. Collins is survived by sons, Ray Collins and wife Sue, Curt Collins and wife Donna, Stewart Collins, Vincent Collins and wife Mona, Anthony Collins and wife Tracy, and Ted Collins and wife Rhonda; 13 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren; brothers, Ted Lee and wife Malinda, and Jack Collins; sisters, Suzanne Berreth and husband Clifford, Kathleen Feller and husband Robert, Jill Collins, and Priscilla Strathman and husband Curt; and sister-in-law, Karen Collins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Nancy, Kay and Mary Gay; and brother, Timothy.