Otto Buck Collings

Otto B. (Buck) Collings, 83, from Springville, Utah passed away from the effects of cancer December 22, 2007. Buck was born in Monroe, Utah November 5, 1924 to Otto and Nora Bertelsen Collings. He was looking forward to celebrating his 60th wedding anniversary this year to his sweetheart Dorothy Ebenstein. They were married on September 1, 1948.



Buck entered the Navy on his 17th birthday and served four years on the U.S.S. Case D.D. 370, a destroyer in the South Pacific during World War II. His military service influenced his attitude toward service to others throughout his life. He was proud of his country. In later years he met with the men of the case for reunions. After serving in the military he attended Westminster College in Salt Lake City with the assistance of the GI bill and earned a teaching degree. There he met and courted his dear wife Dorothy. He continued to tell family members throughout his life time the story of the day he knew he loved her. They bought a home in Springville where together they raised their five children and lived for over 50 years. Buck was a school teacher for 35 years and influenced many students with his warm and caring nature and many colorful stories. Over many years he served the Springville Public Library board and was the chair of that group during several years. Buck devoted himself to the boys of his scout troop and served as scout master of Troop 121 for 21 years and was honored with the Silver Beaver award in 1968 for his lifetime of service to boy scouting. He loved the time he spent scouting with the boys which led to many lifetime friendships.



Buck developed a strong faith in God and was an active member of the Springville Community Presbyterian Church where he had the opportunity to serve his congregation and also undertook numerous restoration, remodeling and additions to the historic 115 year old church which is on the National Historic Registry. Buck was a member of the Damascus Lodge #10 F. & A.M. of Provo for 49 years where he served as the Lodge Master three times. He has been a devoted brother in his lodge and offered service to other lodges and the state lodge as well.



In 1962 Buck was the Captain of the Springville Auxiliary Police Department and went on to serve from 1970-1986 as the Utah County Justice Court Judge in Springville precinct and as the Mapleton City Justice Court Judge from 1984 to 1999.



Buck's sense of humor has been beloved by his friends and family. He also maintained interests in many hobbies included hunting, camping, snowmobiling, working in his shop, reading, bird watching, and working in his yard. Buck was a scholar of culture, history and life. One of his true favorites was Mark Twain. Nearly every student he had at school was read "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Buck loved spending time with his family, reading at his cabin in Hobble Creek Canyon and visiting with the many neighbors, friends and students he came to love while living and serving in Springville. Buck was loved and respected by all who knew him for his tireless service to the community. He will be dearly missed by his family and the many friends that loved him.



Survived by his wife Dorothy, four children Dusty (Marcus Lang) Collings of Bainbridge Is., Washington, Chuck (Sandy) Collings of Beaver, UT, Matt (Julie) Collings of Springville, Phil (Carol Partridge) Collings of Springville and his daughter-in-law Pat Collings also of Springville; 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild who adored their Grandpa. He was preceded in death by his son Robert Collings, his brother Brooks Collings and his sister Joan Collings Swain.



Funeral services will be held Friday, December 28, 2007 at 11:00 am at the Wheeler Mortuary located at 211 E. 200 S. in Springville. Friends may call Thursday evening at Wheeler Mortuary from 6 to 8 pm or one hour prior to the service.