Leroy Collins, age 90, of Western Grove, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield, Missouri. 

He was born on September 5, 1936 in Mount Judea, Arkansas to Columbus and Gracie (Reddell) Collins. 

Leroy married the love of his life, Johnnie Lois Ricketts, on June 1, 1957, and their beautiful journey called life began. Their marriage was blessed with three beautiful daughters, five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Leroy worked for Milwaukee Railroad in Kansas City, Missouri for two years until they shut down. He then trained as a box die maker for International Paper, where he worked until they relocated to Arkansas after he was offered a job with Rock City Packaging (Rock Tenn), as their box die maker. He worked for Rock Tenn for 36 years before retiring in 2005. 

He loved being outdoors, and especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. One of his favorite pastimes was ginseng hunting with his son-in-law, Randy and grandson, Randy, Jr.  He was proud to pass that tradition on to his great grandson, Hunter, creating wonderful memories. He loved gardening, and growing tomatoes and sweet potatoes. He was an avid NASCAR fan and proudly claimed that Toyota's were ALWAYS the winners. 

He loved to sing and was a firm believer in Christ and wanted everyone, including himself to make it to heaven. He will be truly missed by his family, friends, and his little dog, Cricket. 

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Johnnie Lois Ricketts Collins; his parents; brother, Verlin Collins, sister, Dollie Sheafer; his in-laws, John and Daisy Ricketts; son-in-law, David Morse; and grandson, Aron Romero Hauge. 

Leroy is survived by his daughters, Brenda Morse, Linda (Loren) Hauge, and Connie (Randy) Reese; his brothers, Jay Collins, Earnon Collins, and Berlin (Debra) Collins. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Randy Reese, Jr., Sarah Reese, Jennifer Hampton, Chad Hampton, and Daniel Hauge; nine great-grandchildren, Ethan, Hunter, Havannah, Shane, Alessa, Jace, Nyla, Raven, and Elena; and extended family, Evan and Jodee Hauge that proudly called him grandpa. 

Visitation will be Friday, September 18 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison. 

Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM at Coffman Funeral Home Chapel, on Saturday, September 19, 2026 with Rev. Dorvin Ricketts officiating. Burial will follow at Western Grove Cemetery. 

Pallbearers are Randy Reese, Jr., Hunter Reese, Chad Hampton, Jason Ricketts, Gary Ricketts, Jr., Daniel Hauge, Evan Hauge, and Ethan Hauge. 

Honorary pallbearers are his Rock-Tenn family and Dr. Ken Collins and the staff of Family Doctors Clinic. 

Flowers are welcome, or memorial donations can be made to Western Grove Cemetery Fund, PO Box 113, Western Grove, AR, 72685.

Family and friends are invited to a fellowship meal following the graveside service, to be held at Evangel Assembly of God in Western Grove.