W. Duke Collins - Jonesboro

Wednesday, June 9, 2004

W. Duke Collins, 80, of Jonesboro, died Sunday, June 6, 2004, at Regional Medical center of Northeast Arkansas.

Born in Jonesboro, he was a lifelong resident of Craighead County, having lived predominately in Black Oak. He was a retired truck driver and a member of the United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Ellaene Collins, of the home; two step-sons, Larry Wiles of Jonesboro and Rev. Garry Wiles of Dierks; two daughters, Donna Towles of Manila, and Kathy Qualls of Monette; a step-daughter, Carolyn Bowden of Arlington, Texas; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruby Collins; his parents, Charles and Emma May Collins; two brothers and two sisters.

The funeral was held at 10 a.m. today (Tuesday) at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Jonesboro with Revs. John Soward, Patty Soward, Wayne Johnson and Bonnie Sutton officiating. Burial will be in the Monette Cemetery with Gregg Funeral Home of Jonesboro in charge.

Active pallbearers were Cade Qualls, Scott Towles, Josh Wiles, Matt Wiles, Travis Sherman, Kyle Lomax and Gene Adams.

Honorary pallbearers will be Marvin Browning, Ronnie McCord, Fred Nelson, Scott Hicks, Kenny Vaughn.

The family requests anyone wishing to leave a lasting memorial consider Camp quality, 103 Spring Oak Drive, Sherwood, AR 72120; St. Paul United Methodist Church Youth Group, 2201 Culberhouse, Jonesboro, AR 72401; First Baptist Church Family Life Center in Manila; or First Baptist Church Family Life Center in Monette.