Kenneth “Ken” Earle Collins Sr. went to meet our Lord and Savior on Oct. 19, 2017. Born on April 25, 1936, to Mary Alice North Collins Cannon and Earl Collins.

Ken served in the U.S. Navy for four years, then retired from the U.S. Army after 20 years as a sergeant first class. After retiring from the military, he had a second career at Double D Meat Market for 25 years. He also worked as a school crossing guard for the Bogalusa School System. While being a lifelong member at Monroe Street Baptist Church he served as a deacon and greeter. His joyous heart and kind smile was a welcome sight to all. He enjoyed woodworking, building model airplanes, puzzles, games and was proud to fly his American Flag.

Ken was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth “Kenny” Earle Collins Jr.; his parents, Earl Collins and Mary Alice North Collins Cannon; and three siblings.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Katherine “Katy” Marie Stogner Collins; children, Pat Collins (Tracy), Charlotte Stanberry (Kevin), Brian Collins, and Robert Collins (Sophia); seven grandchildren, Christa Davis, Danielle Dineen, Kaitlin Collins, Benjamin Stanberry, Priscilla Collins, Brianna Byrd, and Jacob Collins; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Cathleen Collins.

Visitation will be held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Visitation will continue at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. until noon, and then will move to Monroe Street Baptist Church, located at 1415 Monroe St. in Bogalusa, from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m.

Funeral Services will begin at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Chad Jenkins officiating. Interment will follow at Ponemah Cemetery, with full military graveside services by the Magic City American Legion Post #24.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Monroe Street Baptist Church.

To view and sign the register book, visit online at pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.