Fayetteville William “ Walker” Collins, 65, of Fayetteville, formerly of Fort Smith, passed away Saturday, June 23, 2007, at Washington Regional Medical Center. He was born Nov. 29, 1941, in Pettigrew to William Harrison and Rosie Lee Collins. Walker Collins graduated from St. Paul High School in 1959. He was a proud veteran of the U. S. Army, serving in the 8 th Armored Division in Germany. He later went on to earn his associate’s degree in business from the University of Arkansas. Walker retired from Frontier Airlines after 20 years of loyal service throughout the United States. He retired from a second career with Jefferson Partners as a regional transportation manager in 2003. He was a 32 nd degree Mason and served as Worshipful Master in 2001 with Sebastian Lodge # 706 in Fort Smith. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith and a member of MENSA. Walker was a member of Toastmasters International, coached league soccer and participated in Boy Scouts of America. He enjoyed studying history, physics and political debate. Walker was fond of a good cigar, old country music and homemade pastries. He loved the outdoors, a good joke and a spirited game of dominoes. Most of all, Walker cherished time with family and beloved grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Billie Gibson Marrs; and in-laws, Travis and Frances Arnold. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Donna Arnold Collins; daughters, Lisa Morgan and husband Sean of Atlanta, Courtney Vaughn and husband Mark of Fayetteville and their children, Isabella Claire and Jackson Walker, and Lindsey Collins of Kansas City, Mo.; and one son, Jason Walker Collins of Fayetteville. He is also survived by four brothers, Frank Collins and Wilma Carney of Fayetteville, Ben Collins of Huntsville, Dotson and Mildred Collins of Farmington, and Floyd and Lucille Collins of Springdale; six sisters, Cleo and Charlie Thurston of Farmington, Susie and Glen Atchley of Fayetteville, Sarah and Conard Petersen of Entiat, Wash., Ethel and Troy Taylor of Elkins, Virginia and Bill Schaefer of Lincoln and Melba Collins of Fayetteville. Survivors also include sisterin-law, Paula DeBusk and husband Dennis of Springdale, and many nieces and nephews. The family will be present for visitation from 5-7 p. m. today at Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home in Springdale. Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. Wednesday at Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home in Springdale. Burial will follow at 2 p. m. at the U. S. National Cemetery in Fayetteville. The family wishes to thank the medical staff and caregivers at Washington Regional Medical Center-Coronary Care Unit and Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Baylor Healthcare Foundation, Bone Marrow Unit, 3600 Gaston Ave., Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75246. Online condolences can be made at www.backstrompyeatte.com -NORTHWEST ARKANSAS TIMES on June 26, 2007 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- William "Walker" Collins, 65, of Fayetteville, formerly of Fort Smith, passed away Saturday, June 23, 2007, at Washington Regional Medical Center. He was born Nov. 29, 1941, in Pettigrew to William Harrison and Rosie Lee Collins. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Donna Arnold Collins; daughters, Lisa Morgan and husband Sean of Atlanta, Courtney Vaughn and husband Mark of Fayetteville and their children, Isabella Claire and Jackson Walker, Lindsey Collins of Kansas City, Mo., and one son, Jason Walker Collins of Fayetteville. He is also survived by four brothers, Frank Collins and Wilma Carney of Fayetteville, Ben Collins of Huntsville, Dotson and Mildred Collins of Farmington, Floyd and Lucille Collins of Springdale; six sisters, Cleo and Charlie Thurston of Farmington, Susie and Glen Atchley of Fayetteville, Sarah and Conard Petersen of Entiat, Wash., Ethel and Troy Taylor of Elkins, Virginia and Bill Schaefer of Lincoln and Melba Collins of Fayetteville. Survivors also include sister-in-law, Paula DeBusk and husband Dennis of Springdale and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Billie Gibson Marrs and in-laws, Travis and Frances Arnold. Walker Collins graduated from St. Paul High School in 1959. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the 8th Armored Division in Germany. He later went on to earn his associates degree in business from the University of Arkansas. Walker retired from Frontier Airlines after 20 years of loyal service throughout the United States. He retired from a second career from Jefferson Partners as a regional transportation manager in 2003. He was a 32nd-degree Mason and served as Worshipful Master in 2001 with Sebastian Lodge 706 in Fort Smith. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith and was a member of MENSA. Walker was a member of Toastmasters International, coached league soccer and participated in Boy Scouts of America. He enjoyed studying history, physics and political debate. Walker was fond of a good cigar, old country music and homemade pastries. He loved the outdoors, a good joke and a spirited game of dominoes. Most of all, Walker cherished time with family and beloved grandchildren. The family will be present for visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. today, June 26 at Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home in Springdale, online at www.backstrom-pyeatte.com. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 27, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in National Cemetery at Fayetteville. The family wishes to thank the medical staff and caregivers of Washington Regional Medical Center-Coronary Care Unit and Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Baylor Healthcare Foundation, Bone Marrow Unit, 3600 Gaston Ave., Suite 100, Dallas, Texas 75246. -MORNING NEWS on June 26, 2007