Larry Gene Collins

Larry Gene Collins, age 76, of Brown County, passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, January 9, 2026, at Johnson Memorial Hospital in Franklin.

Larry was born in Spearsville on April 28, 1949, to the late Dennis and Lottie C. (Brock) Collins. He attended Brown County High School and later retired from the Chrysler Electrical Plant in Indianapolis, where he worked on the assembly line for over 20 years.

After retirement, Larry continued to serve his community through various roles. He worked as an Animal Control Officer for Brown County, provided security for Bill Monroe’s Music Park in Bean Blossom, and drove a school bus for Brown County Schools. He also volunteered his time as a Reserve Deputy for the Brown County Sheriff’s Office and with the Gatesville Volunteer Fire Department.

Larry was a member of the United Auto Workers Union and the Ace Coon Club in Morgantown. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and hunting deer, squirrels, and rabbits. Larry was also a talented artist and craftsman, with interests that included drawing, woodworking, and writing poetry. In his leisure time, he enjoyed pitching horseshoes and watching old western movies.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Linda M. (Richhart) Collins, whom he married on May 20, 1967, in Spearsville. He is also survived by his children, Jennifer Luther of Columbus and Jeff (Devon) Collins of Dupont; brothers, Loyd (Dottie) Collins and Greg Collins, both of Brown County; sister-in-law, Joan Collins of Brown County; grandchildren, Neisha Luther, Larissa Hart, Emily Cash, and Madelon Collins; great-grandchildren, Samuel, Elia, Kooper, Callen, Maclane, and Ellie; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his brother, Rev. Leroy Collins.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 13, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Meredith Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center, 179 E. Mulberry Street, Morgantown. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 14, at the funeral home, with one hour of visitation prior to the service. Burial will follow at Spearsville Wesleyan Cemetery in Brown County.

Online condolences may be made to Larry’s family at meredith-clark.com.

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