Lonnie Lee Collins

Lonnie Lee Collins, aka “Big L” or “The Painter”, was born July 11, 1943 in Ava, Missouri to Troy and Fay Collins. The Collins’ family moved to Bryan-College Station in 1962. Lonnie went to be with his Lord Savior Jesus Christ on October 13 2024 with his wife and children surrounding him.

Lonnie at the age of 24, started his painting business. He was a paint contractor and painted for many of the home builders in Bryan-College Station throughout his career.

Lonnie was an avid hunter. He loved to fish, and most importantly he loved his farm in Wheelock. Over the years, he and Lucy always had a garden and would always share their harvest. Over the years he and Lucy raised chickens, pigs and cattle. They would drive in the pasture and all their cattle knew his truck and would come running. He loved to walk among them. Several of the cattle had pet names that dad and mom gave to them , and dad loved his furry friend, Trixie.

Lonnie married Lucille in August of 1967 and they raised 4 children together, Melissa, Marilyn, Pam and Randy. Family and his faith were always important to him. Dad had a strong work ethic which he instilled in all of us. Dad was always kind and generous to everyone he met.

Lonnie is preceded in death by his parents, Troy and Fay Collins, and brother, Charles Collins. He is survived by his wife, Lucille Collins; daughters, Melissa Collins Kutch and husband Mark, Pam Salvato and husband, Joe, Marilyn Gifford and husband, Richard (Cisco); son, Randy Collins and wife Tracy; brother and sister-in-law, Roy and Barbara Collins; sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Lloyd Chittenden; grandchildren, Finlee Kutch, Brittany McBride, Ashlee Menchaca, Jared Salvato, Scotty Komar, Cody Yeager, Tanya Johnson, Tamara Murphy and Courtney Collins; 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

We would like to share a special Thank you to Accent Care Hospice - Sandra, Angelia, Jennifer, Mickey, Jana and Chaplain, Pat Savage. This organization was awesome to work with and provided help to our mother in our dad’s final days. We would also like to Thank all of the doctors and nurses that helped our dad this year.

Donations can be made to Accent Care Hospice Program or your favorite charity in is honor.

In honor of Lonnie’s life, family and friends are invited to wear his favorite color Blue.

Lonnie’s smile was contagious and he was one of The Good Ones. We will forever miss you.