Ashby Fenton Collins

Ashby Fenton Collins, of Cumberland Crossings, Carlisle, PA, 93, died on April 5th, 2025. He was the husband of the late Doris Strohmeier Collins and the son of the late Jane and S. Fenton Collins of Virginia.

Born June 5th, 1931, in Winchester, Virginia, Mr. Collins was a graduate of Charles Town High School, Charles Town, WV, and Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College), Westminster, MD, with a degree in biology, letters in football and lacrosse, and a regular commission in the United States Army. He served as an infantry officer, paratrooper and ranger, which included three tours of duty in Vietnam, an assistant professor of Military Science at the Ohio State University, and as an author and instructor at the Army's Command and General Staff College. His later service included many leadership assignments in the Army's Research and Development Command. Choosing not to accept his next promotion due to its political obligations, Colonel Collins retired as Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army Testing and Evaluation Command Headquarters from a fulfilling 30-year career. Col. Collins was awarded numerous citations and decorations, including the Chapel of Four Chaplains' Humanitarian Award, the Legion of Merit, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. After retirement, Mr. Collins acquired his teaching credentials from Gettysburg College, teaching science at Scotland School for Veterans' Children for almost a dozen years.

Mr. Collins was a life-long volunteer. He was a past president of Safe Harbour, volunteer and food deliverer with Project S.H.A.R.E., director of Big Spring School District, an Eagle Scout and leader with the Boy Scouts of America, a volunteer driver for The Thornwald Home, and an escort at the Cumberland County Courthouse. Mr. Collins was the 2008 recipient of the Yeagley Good Samaritan Award and McDaniel College/Western Maryland's Community Service Award. He was an active member of the former Allison United Methodist Church, leading and serving on numerous committees, heading the Communion Stewards, and teaching Disciple and Sunday School classes. Currently, he was a member of Carlisle United Methodist Church, actively engaged with his Sunday School class.

Surviving Mr. Collins are his daughters, Cheryl Reinecker (David) of York Springs and Beverly Langford (James) of Virginia, and their children and grandchildren: Andrew Reinecker (Heidi), Jonathan Reinecker (Taylor), Lauren Gregory (Matt), Stephen Langford (Mackenzie), Kate, Collin, Beau, and Ellie Reinecker, and Harper Gregory, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of almost 69 years, the former Doris Strohmeier of Louisville, KY, his brother, William, and numerous in-laws.

Mr. Collins may be honored by donating in his name to the Carlisle United Methodist Church, 333 S. Spring Garden St, Carlisle, PA 17013.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at Carlisle United Methodist Church, 333 S. Spring Garden St, Carlisle, PA 17013. Burial will be private and at the discretion of the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoffman Funeral & Cremation, Ltd. 2020 W. Trindle Rd, Carlisle, PA 17013.