On Sunday, November 1, 2020 Del Collins went to be with Jesus in Heaven. He passed into eternity at home, surrounded by family, after a short illness. For 90 years, Del was an example to all those around him as a devoted husband of nearly 67 years, the best Dad ever to his 4 children, “Daddy Del” to his 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren (numbers 7 and 8 will arrive in December and March, respectively!). He was faithful to God, his church and mentored and impacted countless people in his daily life as a Christian businessman and entrepreneur. Del was born in 1930 in Okay, Arkansas—the youngest of 4 boys. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War, and married his bride, Wanda Collins in 1953. Del and Wanda settled in the Kansas City area where they raised their 4 children and 1 foster daughter. Del started and successfully ran multiple businesses, anchored by Collins Litho Plate Company and DaySpring Travel. Del was known for meaningful, life-lesson quotes, including one from the Bible – Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me”. In retirement, Del and Wanda transitioned back to Wanda’s homeplace in Sutton, Arkansas where they continued ministering to all those around them, including their church home—First Baptist Church of Hope, Arkansas.
Del is survived by his wife Wanda, of Sutton, Arkansas, two daughters, Betsy Collins (Jim Williams), Kim Bergeron (Farley Bergeron), two sons, Mitch Collins (Debbie) and Nathan Collins (also Debbie), foster-daughter Robin Strain. Grandchildren Luke Greene (Jennifer), Noah Greene (Julia), Summer Sherbert (Dustin), Joshua Collins, Micah Collins (Abby), Logan Williams, Sterling Williams (Addie Barczewski), Mattie Collins (Lucas Lenz) Joel Collins (Sharon), Emma Collins, Sutton Williams, Jesse Collins (Rebekah) and Ann Marie Collins. Great Grandchildren, Ashlyn Hawkey, Macy Jane, Everly and Emilia Greene, Hank Collins, Joel Collins, baby Sherbert and baby Collins (Joel and Sharon).
He was preceded in death by his grandson Austin Hawkey, his parents Scotty and Cora Collins, his brothers Charles Collins, Clifton (Russell) Collins, Wilbur (Bill) Collins and their spouses.
A service to celebrate Del’s life will be held outdoors at the Harmony Church and Cemetery in Sutton, Arkansas on Friday, November 6 at 2pm Central time. For those who cannot attend, there will be a live stream via Facebook https://www.facebook.com/herndonfuqua.
We also invite you to express your public condolences at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com or private Letters of Love at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com/page/letters-of-love.