1925 – 2014

VENICE, Fla. — Nelson “John” Collings, 88, formerly of Lewiston, passed away Saturday, Jan. 18, in Venice, Fla., after a long battle with multiple medical conditions.

John was born on Oct. 2, 1925. He attended Lewiston High School, married Rose “Betty” Roy of Auburn and served as a combat engineer in World War II. After returning, he spent the majority of his life in the shoe industry.

John played baseball for the Auburn Reds and coached youth baseball. He was an adult member of the Civil Air Patrol and loved to fly and snowmobile. John and Betty moved to Florida in 1993, spending their time enjoying life.

John is survived by his daughter, Donna; son, Daniel; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and the best friend ever, Ralph Garnett.

Betty passed away in March 2013 from congestive heart failure.