Estel COLLINS Obituary (1920 - 2007) - Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Estel Collins, 87, passed away on December 8, 2007 in Lake Havasu City, AZ. Beau as he was known to his family and friends, was born on November 24, 1920 in McRoberts, KY; to Harrison and Bertha (Smith) Collins.At the age of 16, Beau joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. At 18 years old, he enlisted in the United States Navy, beginning a career that would span 20 years. On December 7, 1941, Beau joined a distinguished group of soldiers, when in the early morning hours, Pearl Harbor was attacked. He was assigned to the Destroyer, USS Case, which was responsible for downing several Japanese aircraft.Beau and his wife Mary moved to Lake Havasu City, AZ; 29 years ago from Revere, MA. He was an active member of the Elks Lodge #2399 for 25 years. Beau was also an Elk of the year in 1989-1990, Tall Elk of the year in 1992-1993, and a past trustee and an honorary Elkette. He was also a member of V.F.W. Post #9401, Eagles Aerie #4299 and a member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.Beau is survived by his two sisters, Sally Collins of Washington, Hazel Miller of California, brother, Buford Collins of Fayetteville, GA; nephew Joseph Lovati of Niceville, FL; nieces, Margaret Russell of Boston, MA; and Elizabeth Lovati of Provincetown, MA. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary, who passed away in September of 1998.A memorial service will be held at the Elks Lodge #2399, 3532 McCulloch Blvd. on Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. Military honors will be presented by the V.F.W. Post #9401 and the American Legion Post #81.Condolences and thoughts can be made to his family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.comArrangements were entrusted to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.