The Richmond News, Dec. 12, 2025

Daylight for Ronnie Collins began at 1:42 p.m. June 12, 1962, in Richmond to parents Jesse and Gladys Collins.

He attended elementary school in Mayview before moving to Richmond, where he graduated with the class of 1980.

As a young man, Ronnie always had an entrepreneurial spirit, doing anything he could to make an honest buck. He could be found popping popcorn at the local theater, pumping gas or tending to his paper route. He took great pride in being a Boy Scout, earning his patches all the way to becoming an Eagle Scout.

Ronnie was an extraordinary individual, often referred to as a gentle giant. But if he needed to use his size as a means of redirection, he was known for that, too. However, his career in education was the most profound of all.

Ron did the best he could in every situation, according to his internal compass. He touched many lives and sincerely believed it was his moral responsibility to help improve the quality of people’s lives through his actions or words. His sisters definitely benefitted from that.

Ron also was a prankster. Jeanne was informed of an incident involving fish and a hall director’s air conditioning unit at Truman State University (then known as Northeast Missouri State University). I have no doubt that students and staff alike at the Truman State Library continue to find hand-stamped “Mr. T” notes amid the stacks, shelves and out-of-the-way nooks in that facility. He loved a good joke.

Ronnie accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in the Methodist faith at St. John CME Church Richmond.

He leaves to cherish his memory the love of his life, Jean Marie Kaminski Collins; two sons, Zachary (Megan) Collins and Benjamin Collins; and his grandchildren, Cooper, Oswin, Mila, Ryland and Baylor. He also leaves his mother, Gladys W. Collins; sisters, April Collins, Yvette O’Dell and Jessica (Mash) Kamuru; and great-aunt, Doris Taylor.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Jesse T Collins Jr.; brother, Erin J Collins; sister, Aimee C Collins; and grandparents, CD (Rochester) and Jessie F James, and Jesse T. Collins Sr. and Barbara Collins. He also was preceded in death by his uncles, Morris L Collins, Micheal W Collins, Billy B Jefferson, Richard Booker and Leroy Booker; and aunts, Charlene Cason, Sheila Hurt, Jeanne Jefferson, Theo Williams, Mary (Collins) Roberson and Karen (Collins) Levine.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Nov. 22 at St. John CME Church, 1625 E. Main St., Richmond, with Pastors Alvin Dixon and Rance Williams officiating. Repass immediately followed the service.

Interment will be at a later date. We, the family of Ronald J Collins, wish to thank everyone for your acts of love and kindness shown to us during this time.