George W. Collins, 76, passes away
We have received some sad news. Long-time Indiana horseman, George W. Collins, died of an apparent heart attack in his barn at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on Monday, May 22, 2006. He was 76 years old.
Born on September 22, 1929, George W. Collins was a member of the United States Trotting Association since 1966. He was the owner or breeder of over 40 Standardbred horses. One of George's stand-out horses was Marie Lavow. The daughter of Nuclear Age and Celebrated (by Silent Majority) was a homebred. She took a record of p,4,1:56.1 and earned $79,390. George was training her daughter, Go Miss Lavow (by Mark Johnathan) at the time of his death. This four-year-old has a record of p,3,1:55.4. She has lifetime earnings of $17,782.
Cards may be sent to his wife, Betty, at: 8250 E. 300 S., Zionsville, IN 46077-8697
Obituary for George W. Collins
George W. Collins 76, of Zionsville, passed away Monday, May 22, 2006. Born September 22, 1929 in Indianapolis, Ind., George graduated from Tech High School and played football during their four-year reign of State Championships. George went on to play football for the University of Toledo and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Biology. George retired from Xerox Corp. in the 1980's to pursue his real passion, horse racing. He owned, trained and raised Harness horses most of his life. George had many friends in the horse business and friends from his school years. George's other real joy was spending summers with his family on Lake Wawasee, where he loved to sail, fish and refurbish Chris Craft runabouts in the off-season. One season George did not allow enough soaking time for the boat and we found it at the bottom of the lake, still tied to the dock. George was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Betty Collins; daughter, Connie Ann Collins Matas (David); son, Richard Carl Collins (Gail); stepdaughters, Terrie Cooper, Melanie Lindsey; granddaughters, Robin DeTrude (Kevin), Blythe Logan (Zach) Chelsea Collins; grandsons, Christopher Collins and T.J. Janes II; great-grandchildren, Michael and Elizabeth DeTrude and twins due in August, Lauren and Taylor Logan. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 26, at Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel, 9900 Allisonville Rd., with funeral services Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
Source: Indianapolis Star Website (05-24-06)