Paul McKinley Collins

Paul McKinley Collins, 88, Willow Springs, Missouri was born March 22, 1936 at Hebron, Missouri to the late Larkin and Ida “Roper” Collins, and entered into eternity on February 26, 2025, in West Plains, Missouri. He was of the Baptist faith, having given his life to the Lord as a teenager.

He was married August 21, 1954 in Wilder, Idaho, to Wilma Tooley, who preceded him in death.

Together they raised twelve children. He is survived by: Donna Rae Cook, Peace Valley,Missouri; Paula Sue McDaniel, Batesville Arkansas; Karen Joanne Collins, Meridan Kansas; Judy Denise Collins-Redd, Willow Springs Missouri; Gary Wayne Collins, Meridan Kansas; Lora Mae Collins, West Plains Missouri; Sheilla Gay Brashers, Willow Springs Missouri; Darren Neil Collins, West Plains Missouri, and Edward Shane Collins (Candice), Hardenville Missouri; four special grandchildren, Anthony Wayne Collins and Jamie Don Collins, Batesville Arkansas and Jodi Mae Ragan and Cody Nathan Collins of Florida; and his lifelong special friend and cousin, Wayland Johnson of Hermann Missouri; along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and three children: James Robert Collins, Kathy Louise Vivone (Jim) and Keith Alan Collins (Nicki); four brothers; two sisters; and three grandchildren: Jacqueline Sheree Cook; John Dee Brown, Jr; and Whitley Rae Burnett.

“He taught me lots of valuable lessons in life and all the fishing and hunting we did will be missed. I love him and will miss him and Papa will never be forgotten” – Cody

When asked what his greatest accomplishment in life was, Paul said, “The children that me and Wilma had, and the families that were raised.”

The Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, Howell County, Missouri.