WAYNE COLLINS

WAYNE COLLINS ALEXANDRIA, IN - Wayne Z. Collins, 81, met his Savior face to face on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Community Hospital in Anderson after a sudden illness. He was born in Alexandria, the first baby to be delivered by Dr. Everett Gaunt and his nurse wife Betty on March 30, 1944. His parents were Zedric and Beatrice (Freidt) Collins. Wayne was a graduate of Alexandria-Monroe High School-Class of 1962. He started working for Delco-Remy in Anderson in 1963 and retired as a foreman in 1993 after 30 years of employment. During that time, he met Kathryne Warren and they married on March 14,1964, in Madison County. Wayne enjoyed athletics, especially softball, volleyball and tennis. He has played on many church sports teams down through the years and was affectionately referred to as the "old man" because he played as well as the younger team members. Wayne was a member of the Florida Station Church of God, where in addition to playing sports, he was an usher and a greeter. Upon his retirement, Wayne began handmaking furniture pieces for friends and family. His skill grew to the level of a Master Carpenter. It was after that he began working for his nephew, Tony Collins in his business Cabinet Crafters of Alexandria. Wayne's love for fast cars and motorcycles grew down through the years. Wayne and his nephew Tony took on a yearlong project and built a Cobra car kit. Wayne's love of life was evident in everything he did, and he was undaunted by any challenge. He often said, "if someone else could do something, then so could he." He was man of honor and integrity who dearly loved his family. Wayne gave his life to the Lord on Easter Sunday morning in 1991. While our hearts are tender at Wayne's leaving, that act of receiving God's forgiveness bring us great joy and comfort today. Wayne will be forever young! Survivors: Wife-Kathryne "Kathy" Collins-married March 14, 1964 3 Sons-Duane (Odil) Collins of El Paso, Texas, David (Belinda) Collins of Pecos, Texas, Tony (Tracey) Collins Daughter-Karen (Jim) Genannt of Pawtucket, Rhode Island Grandchildren-Jared (Lauren) Collins, Kreigh Collins, Brandon (Stephanie) Brown, Katey (Elijah) Day, Garrett Collins, Paloma Collins, Hayden Genannt, Alexa Collins 6 Great-Grandchildren-Emery Collins, Eli Collins, Gavin Collins, Thea Collins, Emmie Brown, Ella Brown, Ava Brown and Amelia Brown Several nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Barbara Walker, Bob Collins and Nancy Spangler Services honoring Wayne's life, legacy and faith took place at 5 pm on Thursday, September 11, 2025, in the Florida Station Church of God, 1045 West 375 North, Anderson, IN 46011 with Pastors Doug Doan and Jerry Hilligoss officiating. Cremation followed the services. The Collins family received friends after 3 pm in the church prior to the services. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital with envelopes available at the services. Wayne's care and service arrangements have been entrusted to Owens Funeral Home in Alexandria. Online condolences: www.owensmemorialservices.com.