Kenneth "Ken" Floyd Collins

Ken was born on the 13th of June 1947, in Kilgore, Texas, to James Floyd Collins, Jr. and Dorothy Bamberg Collins. He grew up in Kilgore and graduated from Kilgore High School in 1965. After attending Kilgore College, Ken graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1971. Ken received a Bachelor of Business Administration (Engineering Route to BBA) and was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Ken also served our Country in the United States Navy Reserve.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Tanya Denise Fuller Collins; loving daughter Jamie Leigh Oliver and husband David M. Oliver, Jr. of Houston; and 2 granddaughters that were very special to him: Ava Alexandra Oliver and Isabella Sofia Oliver. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Randy and Juanez Fuller of Gladewater, niece Brandy Lee Fuller of Gladewater, and niece Lynsey Fuller Lewis and husband Donis of Gladewater. He also leaves behind many beloved aunts, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Ken had a distinguished 41-year career in the petroleum, chemical, environmental, and refining industry. He began his career working in scheduling, planning, and estimating at Brown & Root, Inc. in (1971-1973) and then at Olsen, Inc. (1973-1980). He then spent the next 32 years of his career in business development with Becon Construction Co, Inc. (1980-1990), IT Corporation (1990-1994), Kellog Brown & Root (1994-2005), and finally as Vice President of Business Development with S&B Engineers & Constructors (2005 – present).

Ken loved his family and was a very devoted husband who also loved being with his daughter and granddaughters. Ken also loved the University of Texas and took great pride in being a Longhorn. He enthusiastically and tirelessly supported the University of Texas and the Longhorn athletic teams. Ken served as President of the Houston Longhorn Club and was very involved with various other UT-related organizations. Ken never met a stranger and was always willing to help others. Ken will be forever loved, remembered, and missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service is to be conducted at three o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 6th of July, in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 5300 Main Street, in Houston where Dr. Wm. “Bill” Heston, Executive Pastor, is to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be made in Ken’s name to the Houston Area Texas Exes’ Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 271648, Houston, TX, 77277.