Ralph Lester Collins

Ralph Lester Collins, 76 of Higginsville went to be with the Lord on December 15, 2024 at his home. He was born on July 5, 1948 in Mayview MO, the son of John William Collins and Ethel LaVerne (Turner) Collins. He is preceded in death by his parents and three siblings, sister Geraldean Collins, brothers, John Calvin Collins and Raymond Wade Collins. Ralph was a graduate of Concordia High School in 1966. After attending two semesters of college, he started a long-standing career at the federal government U.S. Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. There he was employed as a soil conservationist and retired after 40 years of service, gaining many lasting friends. He was a lifelong resident of Higginsville, Missouri. Ralph was a dedicated and devoted member of Zion A.M.E church in Mayview, where he was named the church Man of the Year 2014-15. Ralph was also very devoted to his family and active in his community where he served as a member of the Jaycee organization for many years, as well as a school board member for the Lafayette Co C-1 school district. He provided amazing support to his children and grandchildren and loved attending all of their activities and sports from football, basketball, softball, track and many more. Ralph, as well, played and coached for many years, women’s slow-pitch softball and coached his daughters' fastpitch softball teams. He loved and had a passion for deer hunting on his family farm, watching the Higginsville Huskers, the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals. Ralph was one of a kind to his wife, family and friends and will be missed dearly. He leaves to cherish his memory, wife of 36 years, Linda Collins of the home; one sister Gertrude LaVerne (late John) Murrell; children, Ange Collins, LaShawn (Wade) Miller, Dawn (late Andre) Harrison, Iesha (Isaac) James and Cheri (Ricky) McDaniel; grandchildren Destanee, Daitrien, Cierra, Cirron, Paige, Natasha, Shantel; four great-grandchildren; two Aunts, Elizabeth West and Dawn Cole; close cousins Gary Turner and Michael Collins, special friend Odie Swanegan and a host of many close relatives and treasured friends. The family will receive friends from 10AM-12PM, Monday, December 23, 2024 at Salem United Church of Christ, 1500 Main St, Higginsville, MO and a Funeral Service will follow at 12PM with Rev. Evelyn Elmore officiating. Burial will follow the service at Mount Olive Cemetery, Warrensburg, MO. Pallbearers: Daitrien Buchanan, Wade Miller, Cirron Harrison, Isaac James, Kente Boldridge, Ricky McDaniel, Taylor Stickland. Honorary Pallbearers: Gary Turner, Michael Collins, Odie Swanegan, Rev. Glenn Elmore, Vincent Collins, Johnny Collins.

Ralph Lester Collins

July 5, 1948 - December 15, 2024