Remembrance: Dr. Dewey D. Collins

Woodward News The Woodward News, Woodward, Okla. — Dr. Dewey D. Collins, 77 year old Woodward Chiropractor, died Monday, September 19, 2011 in Woodward. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 26, 2011 in the First Christian Church of Woodward. Visitation will be at the Billings Funeral Home on Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Sunday, September 25, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Monday, September 26, 2011 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A private family graveside will be held.

Dewey Don Collins was born on March 2, 1934 in Clovis, New Mexico to Dewey Thomas and Syble Lorene (Pettigrew) Collins. The family lived in several western states because of his dad’s work. The family moved to Clayton, New Mexico in 1951 where he attended high school and met his bride-to-be. Dewey received his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree at the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. Dr. Collins then interned in the B.J. Palmer Chiropractic Clinic for a year under the direction of Dr. Palmer, earning the degree of Ph.C. (Philosopher of Chiropractic). Dr. Palmer, who was known as the Developer of Chiropractic, and Dewey became close friends during this time.

Dr. Collins was united in marriage to Alice Sanderson on November 8, 1954 in Davenport, Iowa. They were married in what was then known as the Smallest Chapel in the World and named,"A Little Bit O’Heaven". They made their first home in Davenport and in 1959 they moved to Woodward. Dr. Collins opened his practice in Woodward on March 10, 1959. He served the Woodward area for almost 50 years, retiring on August 1, 2008.

Dr. Collins was a long time member of St. John’s Episcopal Church where he served as Chalice Bearer, Acolyte Master and Layreader Trainer for many years. He enjoyed photography, playing the guitar and singing, especially for residents at local nursing homes. Dewey loved his family, his patients and AMBUCS. He had served AMBUCS for over 35 years. He joined the organization in 1976 and was Charter President of the largest club ever chartered at the time. In 1988 Dewey led a new club building team in their efforts to charter Woodward Mid-Day Chapter of AMBUCS, the first predominantly female chapter in the nation. The Woodward Mid-Day Chapter chartered in just six weeks with 86 members. He served AMBUCS in many capacities over the years, he was a Life Member, a Big Hatter, a Past President, Past District Governor, Regional Big Hat Chairman, and a William L. White member. His crowning achievement was serving as National Big Hat President from 1993-1994. His enthusiasm, dedication, passion and big smile will be missed by hundreds of AMBUCS all across the nation.

He is survived by his wife Alice Collins of the home; one daughter, Donna Jane "Doni" Chandler and her husband Jerry W.; four grandchildren, Trey Don Collins and wife Betty, Deanna Mae Chandler, Karen Elizabeth Chandler, Crystal Marie Chandler; three great-grandchildren, Seth Don, Cassey Elaine and Alison Treylynn Collins; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his son Dewey Don, Jr. "Dee" on January 8, 1998, his parents and his two brothers, Albert Dean and Danny Gale Collins.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodward Mid-Day AMBUCS AmTryke Fund with the funeral home accepting the contributions.

Remembrances may be shared online at www.billingsfuneralhomewoodward.com