Joe Collins, age 81, passed away on Dec. 26, 2005, as a result of complications from surgery and COPD.  He was born Aug. 25, 1924, to Velma and Henry Collins in Carbon, Texas.  He is survived by two daughters, Juanava Collins of Plano, Karen White of Garland; brothers, Pat Collins of Eastland, Robert Collins of Waco and Mike Collins of Seguin.  He was preceded in death by a brother, D. M. Collins of Houston.  He married Helen Ruth Couch Oglesby on Nov. 1, 1946.  He was the youngest man to be district master of the Mason Lodge of Carbon in 1954 and master mason for more than 50 years.  He served in WWII as a gunner/radio operator stationed in China/Burma/Inda.  He was Eastland County Treasurer when recalled to active duty for the Korean War.  He moved his family to Gorman in 1953 to be closer to parents and brothers where he was administrator of the Blackwell Hospital until 1965.  He later was a consultant to physicians, who were starting their new medical practices in the Dallas area.  He had many interests, among them raising quarter horses and dogs.  He and his Tennessee walking horse, Black Cat, won honors at many competitions including the State Fair of Texas.