Obituary of Kenneth Dewayne Collins

Kenneth Dewayne Collins, 76, of Licking passed away on November 11, 2020. Dewayne was born in Rolla, MO on March 16, 1944, the son of Eugene and Fern Collins. Dewayne served in the United States Army from 1968-1970 in the Chemical Corp (Lieutenant). He was a retired educator: science teacher, high school principal, and superintendent of schools. Dewayne returned to his hometown to serve 23 years in the Licking R-VIII School District. He and his father raised cattle together from his youth and upon his return to Licking. Dewayne valued his family. He was a loving son, brother, husband, and father. The gift of his grandbabies, Landon and Madelyn, brought so much joy. He loved his friends, and they enjoyed his mischievous sense of humor. He respected his colleagues and their joint collaboration in the mission of education. Cattle farming, traveling, family and friends filled his retirement years. Dewayne is survived by his wife of 40 years, Deborah Collins (née Stratmann); son, Dr. Jared Collins (daughter-in-law, Jessica Collins) and grandchildren, Landon and Madelyn Collins; son Dr. Brett Collins, PhD; brothers, Bob Collins (sister-in-law, Shirley Collins) and Gary Collins (sister-in-law, Carol Collins); aunt, Esther Robertson; mother-in-law, Helen Stratmann; along with his brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Fern Collins and father-in-law, Henry Stratmann. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dewayne’s name may be made to St. John Catholic Church or the Dewayne Collins Scholarship Fund-Licking R-VIII School District.