"Kenny" Kenneth Lee Collins

Kenneth Lee “Kenny” Collins was born on Sunday, April 9, 1949 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, the son of Paul Credric and Pauline Ruth (Dobbins) Collins. He passed this life on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in Tulsa, OK. He was 74 years of age. Kenny was a 1967 graduate of Broken Arrow High School. He played trumpet in the band and was Drum Major his senior year. He attended Northeastern State College in Tahlequah, until he decided to serve his country during the Vietnam era. Kenny was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, having served from February 27, 1969 to February 4, 1975. During his naval career, he had some amazing experiences. One highlight was being chosen as an Honor Guard for the dedication of Coronado Bay Bridge in San Diego, CA with Governor Ronald Reagan. While waiting for his orders for Naples, Italy, he played in the Navy band for officers’ clubs throughout the country. He met the former Miss Janice Ellen (Jan) Simmons in 1971 at Naples, during his tour there; they were married on June 30, 1973 in Broken Arrow, and just celebrated 50 years of marriage. Kenny worked for Rainbow Concrete for 16 years from inception of the company, assisting in building the plant. Especially talented in mechanics and sales, he served in every position with the company. He was later employed in Construction Management as Safety Director with Ashland Pavement and Chemicals, often achieving 0% accident records annually. Kenny’s life motto was “for everyone he met, to try to make their life better” which he learned from his brother, D.A. Always ready and willing to give a helping hand serving, he used his musical talent in Nursing Home ministry for 18 years, singing old favorites and new songs he wrote. Kenny was known especially for living out scripture by caring for widows, the elderly, and single moms. It was not surprising he was selected by Broken Arrow Alumni Association as a Great Graduate of Broken Arrow in 2019. Most recently Kenny volunteered at the Oklahoma Military History Center. While giving tours as a docent, he shared that the building began as the Broken Arrow Hospital in 1941 and often pointed out the specific room in which he and his brothers were born. His woodworking and handyman skills are on display throughout the Center, as he spent countless hours honoring veterans and his country, Growing up, Kenny enjoyed fishing, baseball, and camping. He loved music and while in the Navy he traded his trumpet for a guitar and taught himself to play it and the harmonica. He loved the outdoors and would escape to fish and float the river with Jan and their daughters or high school buddies. In recent years, he could be found at weekly jam sessions with his bluegrass group, coffee time with several groups of friends, or perfecting his golf game. He loved to laugh and could deliver a joke and one-liners like no one else. Kenny was also very good in construction, building his home 38 years ago. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, cheering them on at sporting events. Kenny recently initiated a Student Scholarship Fund at the Oklahoma Military History Center. for those interested in serving their country. The family requests memorials to the Oklahoma Military History Center, 112 North Main Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012. He is survived by: His wife, Jan Collins, of the home, daughters, Laura and husband Jonathan Hopkins, Owasso, OK, Mollie and husband Blake Moses, Broken Arrow, OK; Grandchildren, Troy, Clay and Judd Moses, and Audrey, Ava and Levi Hopkins; Brother, Paul and wife Gwen Collins, Skiatook, OK., Sister-in-law, Stephana “Stephy” Collins, Gibsonville, NC, and Sister-in-law, Barbara Simmons, Broken Arrow, OK. Nieces Susan, Lisa, Terri and Kim; nephews Darren, Paul and Tommy, and a host of great nieces, great nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Pauline, a brother, D.A., his in-laws, Paul “Pete” and Frances Simmons and A brother-in-law, Chris.

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"Kenny" Kenneth Lee Collins

April 9, 1949 - November 16, 2023