Willard Lee Collins

Willard Lee Collins, age 81, a lifelong resident of the Farmington â€“ Coyville area passed away Monday, January 18, 2010 at the Kansas Medical Center in Andover, Kansas. He was born on November 26, 1928 the son Claude and Hattie (Cook) Collins. At the age of 16 Willard graduated as co â€“ valedictorian from Coyville High School. Willard was united in marriage to Norma Sue Cook in 1948 and she preceded him in death in March 2002. On December 20, 2003 Willard married Linda Bemis â€“ John at the First United Methodist Church in Fredonia. Willard was a well known farmer and rancher. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Fredonia and also served as treasurer. Other memberships included Co-op board where he also served one term as president, Kansas Livestock Association, Cattlemanâ€™s Association, 4 H Leader, Wilson County Old Iron Club and the Thanks Program. Willard was very active in the Coyville Community Center and Relay for Life. He enjoyed the rodeo, hanging out at the Co-op but most of all he loved visiting with his family. Willard is survived by his wife Linda Collins of the home, one daughter Kathryn Hudson and husband Don of Parsons, two sons: Roger Collins and his wife Peggy of Fall River, Kansas, Kevin Collins and his wife Becky of Strong City, Kansas, two step-sons Jason John and his wife Susan of Fredonia, Kansas, Caleb John and his wife Julie of Walnut, Kansas, one sister Rena Clinesmith of Fredonia, Kansas, one brother Rex Collins of Topeka, Kansas, one sister-in-law Velma Collins of Fredonia, Kansas, twelve grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Norma Sue, two brothers Carl and Robert, a sister Edna, one infant sister and great granddaughter Savannah Jantz. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 22, 2010 at 10:30 AM at the First United Methodist Church in Fredonia with Rev. Charlotte Coates officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be at the Fredonia Cemetery. The family suggests contributions to the First United Methodist Church Organ and Stained Glass Fund. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.countrysidefh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home, P.O. Box 247, 420 S. 20th St., Fredonia, Kansas.

Willard Lee Collins

November 26, 1928 - January 18, 2010