Wayne Coleman Collins

Wayne Coleman Collins passed away peacefully at his home on October 23, 2025. He was surrounded by his loving wife and family. Wayne was born July 16, 1943 to the late Leon and Dorothy Collins. He fought Parkinson’s disease the last 12 years of his life with dignity, humility and a touch of humor. 

Wayne’s life was full of purpose and love for and from his family and friends. He enjoyed the simple things. Wayne was raised on a dairy farm with his two brothers. He loved camping, boating and was an expert craftsman. He was known as a gentle giant, a man with few words and a huge heart. Wayne was a devoted husband to his wife Mary for 57 years. He raised two children and passed along many life lessons to his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Wayne was a Sergeant Technician during the Vietnam War. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Purple Heart, The Army Commendation medal and Sharpshooter badge. He worked for Bird and Sons in Bardstown and Norton Suburban Hospital in Louisville until his retirement at the age of 72. During his free time he could be found in his garage making furniture, cabinets, filling custom orders and drafting house plans. 

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, David Collins; son, Wayne Coleman Collins II; and fur baby Rue.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Collins; daughter, Lynn Young (Chuck); grandchildren, Courtney Young, Meghan Walls (Douglas), John “Jack” Young; three great grandchildren, Emsley Willman, Hiram (Dougie) Walls, Corbin Walls; a brother Danny Collins (Georgeanne); step mother, Minnie Hardesty Collins; and numerous brother and sister in laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

The world was a better place with Wayne in it and his presence will be deeply missed. “The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example." - Benjamin Disraeli

A Funeral Mass will be held 11 am, Monday, October 27, 2025 at Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral with burial to follow in KY Veterans Cemetery Central. Visitation will be 2 pm to 6 pm Sunday, October 26 and 9 am to 10:15 am Monday, October 27 at Barlow Funeral Home. A prayer service will be held at 5 pm Sunday.

Memorial contributions may be made to National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, St. Jude Children's Hospital. and/ or St. Elizabeth Home Hospice in Burlington, KY.

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