Kenneth Wayne Collins, 80, of Taylor, passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2023.
Kenneth was born Aug. 30, 1942, in Thorndale, to Glenn and Mozelle (Drummond) Collins. He grew up with one older sister and two older brothers, all who have preceded him in death.
He graduated from Thrall High School in 1960, and then proudly joined the United States Air Force, where he served our nation for nearly 21 years.
On Dec. 17, 1977, Kenneth married Gayle Teggeman. Together, they resided in Taylor and raised three children.
Upon retirement from the Air Force, Kenneth joined the family business and was a Lone Star beer salesman at Taylor Distributing Inc. for 16 years. He later went to work for Capitol Wright Distributing, also as a beer salesman.
Kenneth was a consumer of history and current affairs – an avid coin collector, a daily reader of newspapers (before they became primarily digital, of course) and an aficionado of clipping and organizing stories from said newspapers.
Though quiet, Kenneth was likely one of the most informed persons around. Kenneth was also a passionate member of the Taylor Lions Club since 1982, and he received recognition as a Life Member of the Texas Lions Camp.
And not to be forgotten, for 15 years, Kenneth also enjoyed the company of his loyal sidekick, Suzie the dachshund.
Parkinson’s disease took a toll on Kenneth in his later years, but everyone is grateful for all the time he gave us and the impact he had on many lives.
Kenneth is survived by his wife of 45 years, Gayle; children, Shelley Collins Giesecke (Kevin), Tracy Collins and Kevin Collins (Tiffany); eight grandchildren, Emily, Nicholas and Chloe Giesecke, Ethan Pichini, Alex Gerren, Keegan, Katelyn and Breelyn Collins. And having a large, close family, he is also survived by numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
A funeral service for Kenneth will be held Thursday, Aug. 3, at 2 p.m. at Providence Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Taylor City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Texas Lions Camp (https://www. lionscamp.com/donations. html), or a charity of your choice.
