Efren B. Collins

Efren B. Collins, 77, passed away December 13th, 2025, at Carlsbad Medical Center, Carlsbad NM.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Thursday, December 18th, 2025, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home, followed by a vigil at 6:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Friday, December 19th, 2025, at San Jose Catholic Church with Fr. Juan Carlos Ramirez officiating. Interment will follow at Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, NM. Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Efren was born on April 10th, 1948, in Carlsbad, NM to Marina (Anaya) and Harry Fredrick Collins.

Efren was raised in Malaga, NM. He graduated from Carlsbad High School in May of 1967. In September of 1967, Efren went to Sheppard Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas for his basic training and graduated as a certified aircraft mechanic crew chief.

After training he was stationed at Clark Air Force Base, Republic of the Philippines, providing Aero-Medical Evacuation throughout the Pacific Command. It included regularly scheduled flights to Japan, Okinawa, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Republic of Vietnam. During this time period, all flights into Vietnam and the Vietnam Air Defense Identification Zone were considered as Combat flights.

When Efren flew air-evacuation missions, he flew with 9th Airevac Group and Maintenance support provided by 6200 maintenance Group Clark Air AB. One of the most important missions consisted of medical support for the “in country” facilities in Vietnam. After that tour he was sent to South Korea for another 16 months, then back to the USA stationed at K.I. Sawyer Air Force in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan until his departure from duty with Honorable Discharge.

Efren married Zulema Franco Collins December 26th 1970. He started his own business “American Energy and Compression” in 1981 and it operated until 2001. He made many wonderful friends during his time in the oil field, and he was well respected by all for his work ethic. Efren was a great mechanic and taught his two sons to be great mechanics as well…not only them but many others who were willing to learn and work hard. He really enjoyed his work.

Efren farmed in Malaga, NM where he took great pride and was at peace doing the work he really enjoyed and loved.

Efren was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Collins; parents: Marina (Anaya) and Harry Fredrick Collins; brother, Edwin T. Collins; sisters: Ernestina “Tina” Grover and Elizabeth “Daisy” Collins; father and mother-in law: Lorenzo and Maria Madrid Franco.

Efren is survived by his wife of 54 years, Zulema Franco Collins; son, James F. Collins and wife, Shelley; daughter, Joslyn M. Collins; honorary niece, Doris Rodriguez and husband, Jackie; grandchildren: Trent Collins, Tate Collins, Brooke Collins, Jeffrey Tanner Collins; honorary nephews and nieces: Andrew Rodriguez, Eric Rodriguez, Tori Rodriguez and Azriel Millman; siblings: Emily Collins Navarrete, Harry Collins Jr., Effie Dean Brendle; and favorite dog companion, Cash, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Pallbearers are Trent Collins, Tate Collins, Tanner Collins, Jackie Rodriguez, Andrew Rodriguez, and Eric Rodriguez.

Honorary Pallbearers are Edward Campos, Angel Hernandez, Jr., Albert Salcido, Bobby Anaya, Larry Corken, Henry Lack, Paul Simmons, Pat Bowman, Will Jaquess, and the late Tony Vasquez.

Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com