Sanbornton---Clayton J. “Clayty” Collins, 88 of Sanbornton, NH, died on Tuesday, March 19, 2013.
Mr. Collins was born May 29, 1924, in Laconia, N.H., the son of the late Ruth (Osgood) and Ralph J. Collins.
Mr. Collins resided in the Lakes Region his entire life and graduated from Laconia High School. He served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II and attained the rank of First Lieutenant. He received his “wings” at Craig Field in Selma, Alabama and flew the P-51 Mustang and P-40 Warhawk.
Mr. Collins attended Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania and Robert’s Technical Trade School in Boston, Massachusetts.
Following his service to his country, Mr. Collins worked the majority of his life in Laconia, including as a timekeeper for Scott & Williams and an auto body manager for Irwin Motors. Mr. Collins also operated an auto body repair shop on Court Street and subsequently on Water Street during the 1960s and early 1970s. Mr. Collins then became an insurance appraiser for Moreau Appraisals of Laconia and later for Casey Appraisals of Franconia, N.H. He also became an independent insurance appraiser prior to retirement.
Mr. Collins enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, snowmobiling and boating. He was also an avid Boston Redsox fan.
Mr. Collins is survived by his wife, Carolyn E. Collins, of Sanbornton; a son, Rodney C. Collins of Mashpee, Massachusetts and other relatives. Mr. Collins was predeceased by a son, Randal R. Collins.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday March 23, 2013 from 2:00-4:00 PM in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St. Laconia, N.H. A funeral service will follow at 4PM at the funeral home.
Burial will be private at the family lot in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Central NH VNA & Hospice, 780 North Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246 and the New Hampshire Humane Society P.O. Box 572 Laconia, N.H. 03247.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com