Doug Collins died on September 19, 2023. There is no evidence of foul play. And that's basically it. For anyone who chooses to keep reading this, Doug would almost certainly suggest that you don't. Have a beer instead. Or eat some enchiladas. Hey, look at those squirrels running around over there! Anything, really, besides what you're doing at this very moment. Doug would have preferred that you go do something that you enjoy right now, please and thank you.

Not everyone can or will follow what might very well have been Doug's preferences regarding this matter, so let's go ahead and get the requisite info out of the way. Born at home on May 6, 1939 to Robert and Louise Collins. Lived in Tulsa his whole life. Graduated from Central High School in 1957. Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tulsa and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa College of Law. Enjoyed a successful career in real estate management. Made an army of friends. Won a gang of awards. Participated in a slew of professional organizations and served as president of many of them, including the Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors, the Institute of Real Estate Management, the Rotary Club of Tulsa, and the Golden Hurricane Club. Was a founding member (and also president) of Cedar Ridge Country Club, where he enjoyed knocking it around on the course whenever he had the chance. Golf game weaknesses: driving, approach shots, bunkers. Strengths: putting, chipping, strategy, the 19th hole.

Now on to the important stuff. When it came to grilling a steak or mixing a martini, the man was an artist. His baritone singing voice was deep. Johnny Cash, Bing Crosby, and Barry White would have blushed in unison. He was a force to be reckoned with on the dance floor. Not because he was a great dancer. Because he was a cool dancer. (Made everyone else around him look cool too. That takes talent.) Liked John Wayne movies. Disliked green vegetables. Could recite poetry and song lyrics better than most. Excelled at trivia. If you found yourself sitting across a Trivial Pursuit board from him, you knew you were in trouble. A handsome devil until the very end, with a smile that could get him out of any trouble he might have caused. Loved America. Allegedly never spent any time in jail. Really loved small children and old people. Laughed infectiously. Never stopped learning. Gave his whole heart to his family. Jesus, what more could you ask for?

Doug is preceded in death by his mom, dad, and big sister, Suzy Collins Davis. He will be sorely missed and survived by his wife of 47 years, Carolyn, son Tony, daughter-in-law Lauren, granddaughter Sylvie, sister Timmie Hanna, and many beloved family members, including Mark Cortner; Malcolm Cortner; Meghan Davis and her husband Phil; Robert Patton and his wife Jama; Francie Patton and Wayne Brandenburger; Chris Patton and his wife Laura and daughters Rachel and Katie; Tyler Cortner and his wife Ingrid and daughter Frankie; Sam Davis and his family; Casey Woods and his family; Frantz Cortner and his family, Amber Mignosa and her family; Kent Best and his wife Gina and daughter Annelise; John Cortner; Paula Cortner; Lady and Larry Brown; as well as many other dear friends and relations.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, September 27 at 2pm at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel in Tulsa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.