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Obituary – Kenneth “Dewayne” Collins

Kenneth Dewayne Collins, 76, of Licking, passed away on November 11, 2020. Dewayne was born in Rolla, Mo., on March 16, 1944, the son of Eugene and Fern Collins.

Dewayne served in the United States Army from 1968-1970 in the Chemical Corp (Lieutenant). He was a retired educator: science teacher, high school principal and superintendent of schools. Dewayne returned to his hometown to serve 23 years in the Licking R-VIII School District. He and his father raised cattle together from his youth, and upon his return to Licking.

Dewayne valued his family. He was a loving son, brother, husband and father. The gift of his grandbabies, Landon and Madelyn, brought so much joy. He loved his friends, and they enjoyed his mischievous sense of humor. He respected his colleagues, and their joint collaboration in the mission of education. Cattle farming, traveling, family, and friends filled his retirement years.

Dewayne is survived by his wife of 40 years, Deborah Collins (née Stratmann); son, Dr. Jared Collins (daughter-in-law, Jessica Collins), and grandchildren, Landon and Madelyn Collins; son, Dr. Brett Collins, PhD; brothers, Bob Collins (sister-in-law, Shirley Collins) and Gary Collins (sister-in-law, Carol Collins); aunt, Esther Robertson; mother-in-law, Helen Stratmann; along with his brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and other relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Fern Collins, and father-in-law, Henry Stratmann.

A funeral mass for Dewayne was held on Saturday, November 14, 2020, at 11 a.m., at St. John Catholic Church in Licking with Fr. Rayappa Chinnabathini officiating. Visitation was held one-hour prior. Interment followed at the Licking Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jared Collins, Brett Collins, Gary Collins, Bob Collins, Matthew Loyd and Bobby Loyd. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dewayne’s name may be made to St. John Catholic Church or the Dewayne Collins Scholarship Fund-Licking R-VIII School District. Arrangements entrusted to Fox Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.foxfh.net.

3 Comments

  1. Bob Dunham on December 7, 2020 at 5:22 pm

    Dewayne and I occupied adjacent dorm rooms at Mizzou and got along well (except when I threatened to touch his hair. Family members will know what I mean.)
    Dewayne never lost track of his goals nor indulged in distractions like “The Shack, ” “The Ivanhoe,” or dating. He knew that he would return to Licking, work within the public school system and one day become county superintendent.
    After I left Muzzou and the midwest, I eventually lost touch with Dewayne and my many other Licking friends. But all these years later I saw nothing in this obituary that surprized me. A man who embodied resolve, responsibility and integrity.

  2. frank triplett on January 8, 2021 at 4:37 pm

    great person

  3. Jeremiah Dew on February 21, 2021 at 9:21 pm

    I’m thankful for this man and his family. He was there for me when I lost my father.
    Jeremiah

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