Junel Collins

Junel Collins 85, of Henderson, KY passed away on May 1, 2017 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Evansville, IN. She was born in Sturgis, KY on October 17, 1931 as the youngest sibling of six brothers. She graduated from Sturgis High School and was soon wed to Wendell Collins.  Junel began her career working as secretary at Camp Breckinridge in Morganfield, KY.  While there she also attended Henderson Community College where she gained a degree in Accounting.  She soon moved to Henderson and began a family. She kept books for her husband’s business. While in Henderson Junel and Wendell had four children, one daughter, and three sons.  During this time, she also became a charter member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church.  In 1974 Wendell and Junel moved to Clay, Kentucky opening a family business (Collins Equipment Co.) a John Deere Dealership.   The business was sold in 1981 and Junel went on to other career choices.  She served as City Clerk for the city of Sturgis, KY for several years and kept books for Ridley Automotive in Providence, KY. Junel returned to college to further her education.  She received her RN degree from Henderson Community College in 1993 at a young age of 62.  She went on to work at several nursing homes as a supervising nurse, finally retiring as a nurse from Gibbs.

Junel was most proud of her Christian faith and having her family in attendance at church, followed by her greatest joys of cooking a large meal to share with her immediate and distant family members on Sundays and holidays.

Junel was preceded in death by her son Ronnie Collins, and her husband Wendell Collins.  She is survived by her daughter Terri Buckman and spouse Keith Buckman of Henderson, KY, her sons, Steve Collins and spouse Cindy Collins of Clay, KY; Don Collins and spouse Teri Collins of Henderson, KY; 9 grandchildren, Heather Stevens and spouse Kirby Stevens, Keri Garrett, Teresa McFarland and Spouse Adam McFarland, Jesse Collins and spouse Megan Collins, Jeremy Collins and Spouse Rachel Collins, Jered Collins, Ryan Buckman and spouse Ashley Buckman, Chelsea Swecker and spouse Stephan Swecker, and Bailey Collins. 11 great grandchildren, Chase and Colin Garrett, Hayden and Gavin Stevens, Audrey and Eli Collins, Brynn and Rory McFarland, Trey and Ryan Marie Buckman, Cade Collins. Funeral services will be held on Saturday May 6, 2017 at 11am at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Henderson, KY. Rev. Ted Burke and Rev. Mark Weaver will officiate. Burial will be in Pythian Ridge Cemetery in Sturgis, KY. Visitation will be from 4-8pm on Friday at the church and from 9am until service time on Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church 2601 US Hwy 60 E Henderson, KY 42420. Online condolences can be made at www.townsendfuneralhomeinc.com. Townsend Funeral home in Dixon is in charge of arrangements.