Coach Pat Collins

Funeral services for Coach Pat Collins, 84, will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at The Pentecostals of the Twin Cities. Pastor Denny Duron will officiate, and interment will follow at Kilpatrick's Serenity Gardens under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home in West Monroe. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home, 1200 Lamy Lane, Monroe, Louisiana, and from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday.

Coach passed away at home on February 12, 2026 in Calhoun, Louisiana. He was born on August 20, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to the late Jack Henry Collins and Grace Ada Scheffler Collins. Over the course of his life, he was known as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, coach, mentor-and yes, to some, a bit of a tough old soul-but everyone knew him as one or the other.

Pat often shared the lesson his father taught him early in life: nothing in this world is free-you have to work for everything you want. That principle guided him throughout his life. He graduated from Fair Park High School in 1959 and earned a football scholarship to Louisiana Tech University, where he later completed his Master's degree. He began his coaching career at Airline High School before returning to Louisiana Tech as defensive coordinator under Maxie Lambright. Those seasons became known as the "Glory Years" of Louisiana Tech football.

When Coach Lambright retired in 1978 and Pat was not selected as head coach, he made a bold decision. He moved his family 30 miles down the road to Monroe, Louisiana, becoming defensive coordinator at Northeast Louisiana University (now University of Louisiana at Monroe) under John David Crow. In 1981, Pat became head coach. During his first game back in Ruston to face Louisiana Tech, a fraternity famously rolled out a sign that read, "NLU Deserves Pat Collins!" After NLU's victory, his staff retrieved that sign and presented it to him-a treasured memory from a meaningful chapter of his career.

The journey was not without challenges, but in 1987 everything came together. His team traveled to Pocatello, Idaho, and captured the I-AA National Championship with a victory over Marshall Thundering Herd football. A lifelong goal had been achieved.

In the years that followed, Pat served in the Louisiana Secretary of State's office and then went back to coaching at Arkansas State University, the Miami Tribe, West Ouachita High School, Ouachita High School, and spent his longest tenure at Longview High School in Longview, Texas. He later served as a consultant at Longview High School and at Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Of all his roles, he may have surprised himself most in retirement-cutting down trees on the family property and learning to do something other than coach (though Bonnie might have disagreed). He especially treasured time spent with his lifelong friends, affectionately known as "The Thinkologists and Philosofizers." They know who they are and some have passed before him.

In 2015, Pat was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches, Louisiana. He faithfully returned each year to participate in the Walk of Fame, cherishing the camaraderie and memories.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Christopher Ryan Collins; his parents; his brother and sister – in law, Jack Frederick Collins and wife Julia Johnson Collins; sister-in-law, Candis Slemons Barrientes; and his niece, Sheila Collins Boales.

Pat is survived by his loving and most patient wife of 65 years, Bonnie Slemons Collins; his children, James Michael "Mike" Collins (Terri Brinson Collins), Cherie Jean Collins Wilbanks ("Burton" Tyler Rollins), and Katherine Allison "Katie" Collins; his grandchildren, John Michael Collins (Meagan Breaux Collins), Alicia Renee Wilbanks Poynter (Gary), James Matthew Collins (Ainsley Camp Collins), Kristen Marie Wilbanks DePrang (Heath), and Brittany Danielle Wilbanks Pearce (Tipton); and his great-grandchildren, Ryleigh Mikal Poynter, Gavin Levi Poynter, Camille Ann Collins, Cayden Patrick DePrang, Sawyer Brynn Poynter, Colby Glenn DePrang, Georgia Katherine Collins, Asher Layne Poynter, Caroline Evelyn Collins, Harper Rae Poynter, Jack Tipton Pearce, Maddox Doyle Poynter, Slade Hudson Poynter, James Patrick Collins, Campbell Elizabeth Collins and Josie Leigh Pearce.

He is also survived by his brother's children, Lisa Warner, Brian Collins (Chloe Anne Phillips Collins), Christine Collins, and Jack Collins, Jr.; sister – in – law, Sandra Slemons Kelly-Duncan (Klaus); brother – in- law, Leon Barrientes; special friends, Ronnie Alexander, Mickey Merritt, Gentry Little, and Paul Mims; and three men who stood beside him through countless seasons and whom he loved like sons-John King (Jodie Steelman King), John Berry (Kelly Stuckey Berry), and Jerrod Baugh (Keshia Douglas Baugh).

He also leaves behind many other cherished family members, former players, and lifelong friends. Pallbearers will be Mike Collins, Jack Collins, John Michael Collins, Gary Poynter, Matt Collins, Heath DePrang, and Tipton Pearce. Honorary pallbearers will include the 1987 National Championship "Team of Destiny," the 1972, 73 and 74 Louisiana Tech National Championship Teams, his longtime coffee group from the old Aron's Pharmacy and McDonald's on Well Road, along with lifelong friends and former players.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Pat Mitchell and the compassionate staff of St. Joseph Hospice, especially our delightful nurse, Abby Kalil-Elmwood; our devoted aide, Keisha Godfrey; and our caring sitter, Candace Tucker. We are also deeply grateful to Richie Moore and Jerad Barmore for their faithful help and support at our home during this time. A special and heartfelt thank you to Wendy Hobson Phythian for standing faithfully by Bonnie and Katie's side and helping care for Pat with such love and devotion. Your kindness, comfort, and steady presence meant more to our family than words can express.

Memorials may be made in Pat Collins' memory to the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA).

Please contact one of our local florists. Westside Flowers 318.322.2677 or Petals and Pearls 318.605.3503