Deacon Commodore A. Collins

Deacon Commodore Alfred "C. A." Collins, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, in Kansas City, MO. Affectionately known as "Poochie", born on August 26, 1937, in Morris, OK to Commodore E. and Corine Collins.

He lived a life marked by dedication to family, faith, and an unwavering commitment to hard work and learning. He began his education at Coal Creek Elementary in Boynton, OK, and graduated from Phyllis Wheatley School, also in Boynton. With a keen interest in electronics, he pursued further studies at Okmulgee Tech in Okmulgee, OK, a decision that would shape the course of his professional life.

After completing his education, Commodore moved to Wichita, KS together with his best friend, Harold Robinson (preceded in death) to begin working at Boeing Aircraft.

This move would prove fateful as it led him to marry the love of his life, Flora Adkins Morey. The two were united in marriage on September 4, 1959, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades.

In 1966, Commodore moved his growing family to Omaha, NE. There he became one of the first Black employees at IBM, where he repaired typewriters-an achievement that reflected both his technical skill and pioneering spirit. Though IBM offered success and stability, Commodore sought greater fulfillment and joined AT&T in 1968. In 1976, being promoted to network sales he and his family moved to Kansas City, MO. He remained with the company until his retirement in 1996.

Commodore was a man of many talents and boundless energy. In addition to working full-time jobs throughout his career, he spent evenings and weekends repairing lawnmowers, clocks, cars-anything that needed fixing, including working alongside his friend of 57 years, Matthew "Joe" Rupert in his cement business. His hands were rarely idle; his mind constantly engaged.

A devout man of faith, Commodore served as both deacon and trustee at several churches throughout his life: Stranger's Rest Baptist Church in Wichita, KS; Rising Star Baptist Church in Omaha, NE; Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Kansas City, MO; and finally Fellowship Right Baptist Church in Kansas City, MO; where he remained active until his health would not allow him to. He was known for his sharp intellect and outspoken nature. He loved engaging others in thoughtful debate and encouraged those around him-especially his children and grandchildren-to seek knowledge independently. To support their learning journeys, he purchased multiple sets of encyclopedias and computers over the years so they could always "go to the source" for answers.

Family was central to Commodore's life. He lovingly cared for his wife Flora through all seasons of life and continued managing both her care and his own until falling ill in April 2025. He found joy in cooking and cleaning for her and took pride in maintaining their home.

He leaves to mourn his memory his beloved wife Flora E.; daughters, Carolyn Jones of Kansas City, MO; Leanette Hutchinson of Boynton, OK; Patricia Anderson (Patrick) of Houston, TX; Angelia Collins-Harrison of Kansas City, MO; Gwendolyn Hawthorne (Todd) of Kansas City, MO; son, Alfred Collins Sr. (Early) of Boynton, OK; sister, Clella Truevenia Banks of Wichita, KS; brother, Curtis Collins (Willa) of Tulsa, OK; sister-in-law, Aseline Colbert, Pearland, TX; 20 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Commodore E. and Corine Collins; daughters, Claretha Joseph; Betty Griffin; and Cecilia Collins; grandson, Marcus Penny; and great-granddaughters, Kaylen Joseph; and Maurtica Britt.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday August 30, at 10:00 a.m. at Fellowship Right Missionary Baptist Church. Interment: Doyle Cemetery Taft, OK. Visitation: 9:00am – 10:00 a.m. at the church. Visitation will be held on Friday August 29, from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Watkins Heritage Chapel 4000 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. KCMO 64130. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website.