Floyd Thomas “Tom” Collins, 67, passed peacefully away on October 3, 2026, at the Alois Alzheimer’s Center after a long journey with dementia.

Born on July 2, 1959, in Dayton, Ohio, Tom called several communities home throughout his life, including Kings Mills, Sharonville, South Lebanon, Goshen, Morrow, Hamilton, and Middletown.

Tom graduated from Kings Mills High School in 1978 and also attended Warren County Career Center, where he studied Culinary Arts.

On April 3, 1982, Tom married Donna Collins (Adams). Together, they built a family and shared more than 44 years of marriage.

Tom proudly served his country for more than 23 years in the Ohio Army National Guard, from June 20, 1979, until October 1, 2002, retiring as a Specialist (E-4). During his military career, he served as a Food Service Specialist, Combat Engineer, and Automotive Logistics Specialist.

His military service took him to assignments in Lebanon, Ohio; Wright-Patterson Air Force Base; and finally the Symmes Road Armory in Fairfield, Ohio, with the 216th Engineer Battalion. Tom also served on deployments to Honduras and Nicaragua.

Among the friendships Tom formed during his years in the National Guard was his friendship with Rick Gaffney, who served alongside him. Their friendship extended well beyond their years of military service. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Tom and Rick also worked together running Collins Carpet Cleaning Service.

Tom was a hard worker throughout his life and held a variety of jobs. His work history included Kings Island, the Sharonville Hilton, Countryside YMCA in Lebanon, World Color, and Kroger.

Tom also had the memorable experience of working as a roadie alongside his friend Rick Flynn. One of his favorite memories from that time was being there during a performance by Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs. Their classic song “Stay” held a special place in Tom’s heart and remained a favorite throughout his life.

Away from work, Tom enjoyed the simple things that made him happy. He loved watching MeTV and the classic television programs of the 1970s and 1980s, with Bonanza and MAS*H among his favorites. He enjoyed listening to classic country music, especially Kenny Rogers and Johnny Cash. Tom also enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether he was playing horseshoes and lawn darts or horseback riding.

Some of the most meaningful memories of Tom are found in the ordinary moments he shared with his children. His daughter, Alicia, fondly remembers watching cartoons with her dad before school—a simple tradition that became a treasured memory. His son, Chris, remembers spending time with his dad at the National Guard armory, getting a glimpse into a part of Tom’s life that meant so much to him. These everyday moments became the kind of memories his children would carry with them long after childhood.

Tom was diagnosed with dementia at the young age of 48. As the disease progressed, he found another outlet for his creativity. He enjoyed building gifts out of popsicle sticks and toilet paper tubes, which he proudly gave to the people he loved. Those handmade creations became special reminders of Tom and of his desire to make something for others even as dementia changed so much of his life.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of more than 44 years, Donna Collins (Adams); his children, Ashley Thomas Collins, Alicia Marie Elam and her husband, Bill, and Chris Collins; and his grandsons, Dylan Michael Elam and Caden William-Lee Elam.

He is also survived by his mother, Joyce Collins; his brothers, Tim Collins and his wife, Laura, Steve Collins and his wife, Janice, and Jamie Collins; and his aunts, Gerry Perkins and Anita Sibcy.

Tom is further survived by his nephews, including Justin Collins and his wife, Debbie, and their daughters, Della and Doris, and Jacoby Collins; as well as many additional relatives and friends.

Through Donna’s family, Tom is also survived by Nancy Lothes and her husband, Ralph; Bob Adams; and Danny Adams.

Family was not defined by blood alone for Tom. He shared a special relationship with Robert and Twila Altmaier, whom he lovingly considered Mom and Dad. Their son, Bob Altmaier, was someone Tom considered a brother, and their daughter, Tonya Payne, was someone Tom considered a sister.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Floyd Collins Jr.; his brother, Ron Collins; his in-laws, Marion and Irene Adams; Robert and Twila Altmaier; Tonya Payne; and his grandparents, Wilma and Virgil Wright, Odessa and R.B. Shifflet, and Floyd Collins, along with other beloved family members who passed before him.

Tom’s life was filled with many chapters—as a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, friend, soldier, business owner, and hardworking provider. His more than two decades of military service, the friendships he carried throughout his life, his love of music and classic television, and even the handmade gifts he created during his years with dementia are all pieces of the story he leaves behind.

Although dementia changed much of Tom’s life, it could never erase the relationships he built, the people he loved, or the memories that will remain with those who knew him.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 13 2026 from 11 AM until time of the Funeral service at 11:30 AM at Paul R. Young Funeral Home, 3950 Pleasant Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio 45015. 

Following the funeral service, Tom will be laid to rest with military honors at Dayton National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to join us at the cemetery as we honor Tom and say our final goodbyes.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to the Greater Hamilton USBC, where his daughter, Alicia, serves as President.