December 25, 1946 – April 9, 2025
Larry Wencil Collins was born on Christmas Day 1946 to Lawrence Othello “Brownie” Collins and Bessie Ann Collins in New Gulf Texas. He grew up in Hastings TX and attended Alvin High School. He was a member of the Alvin FFA and continued his love of agriculture with cattle and hay production for 50 years as a side job. He married Alice Croix in 1966 and they built a home in Manvel where they have lived for almost 60 years.
Larry worked as a service and maintenance crew member at Hobby Airport for Houston Executive Air Service, then as a machinist for Drilco Oil Tools. He then took a position as a brakeman with Santa Fe Railroad and eventually became a conductor for almost 25 years. After a work-related injury, he opened Collins Screen Shop and built window screens until he retired in 2003.
He is survived by his wife, Alice Collins; son, Lawrence “Scooter” Collins; and daughter, Edith "Edie" Baxter; brother, Jerry “Bubba” Collins; sisters, Teresa “Sister” Skrabanek, Patricia “Cookie” Rutland, Linda “Penny” Collins, and Mary Catherine “Kitten” Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Bessie Collins, and brother Thomas “Punkin” Collins.
After 3.5 years of home healthcare, after he lost the ability to walk, Larry Collins passed from this world on April 9, 2025 due to Lewy Body Dementia. The family would like to thank the caregivers of Friendly Faces and the staff of Essential Hospice for their assistance in making those years as good as they could be.
Friends are cordially invited to the visitation with the family on Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. with the funeral service beginning at 3:00 P.M. at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, TX 77546 with Pastor Todd Starnes officiating. Interment will follow at Manvel Cemetery in Manvel, TX.
Pallbearers will include Danny Collins, Andy Collins, Eric Schafer, Ray Harris, Brent Fortner and Rene Lapotaire.
Honorary pallbearers are Tim O’Neil, Billie Gene Henderson, George Collins and Kenneth Kneeland.
Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.
5 thoughts on “Larry Wencil Collins”
Prayers of peace and comfort for the Collins family at this time. I know that you all have already traveled a difficult journey and now he is at rest. Fond memories of our times in Hastings Field growing up.
I had the pleasure to meet the Collins family when I began working for Lawrence some 13 years ago.
Mr. Collins appeared to be forever active, mowing, helping and bringing good cheer to all of us that worked in Alvin. He and Alice welcomed me into their home and helped fuel my passion for RVing.
He will be greatly missed by everyone who's lives he touch.
Thoughts and prayers from our family to yours, Alice.
We were saddened to hear of Larry’s passing and want to extend our heartfelt condolences to you all during this difficult time.
Although we didn’t know him personally, his life speaks volumes about the kind of man he was—hardworking, devoted, and deeply rooted in family and community. From his early days in Hastings to his long-standing career with the railroad and his continued dedication to agriculture, Larry’s legacy is one of strength, perseverance, and quiet impact.
Please know that our thoughts are with you. We hope you find comfort in the love that surrounds you and in the many cherished memories you hold.
With sympathy,
Thomas Collins Jr. & Andy Gonzales
Todd and I are saddened to learn of Larry's death. We met him through his wife, Alice, when we worked with her at Shell Oil Company. Being "Texas Transplants", it was nice to know some "Natives" who could show us how to become Texans. Alice and Larry lived too far away (we're in Magnolia) to visit frequently but when we got together, it was like no time had passed. Larry will be missed by everyone he touched. Alice, you are in our thoughts, now and always.
Our condolences, Elizabeth and Todd Jones
My sincere condolences to The Collins family. Working for Mr. Collins over the past three and a half years felt like being part of his family. I came to love and admire his courage and determination to live despite all odds. He has a high sense of humor, he did not loose even in pains. Well, It pleased God to call him home at this time and we submit to His will. Farewell, sir, may your soul rest in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen!
Amaka Obasi.