Billy Joe Collins

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Billy Joe Collins, 80, Nevada, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, at his home in Nevada. He was born June 9, 1933, in Parsons, Kan., to Forest Pearl Collins and Eva Jean Yandell Collins. He married Betty Marie Vercher on March 2, 1994, in Denver, Colo., and she survives.

Billy served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict where he received ribbons for Korean Service (four stars), United Nations, National Defense Medal, Navy Occupation, China Service, and Good Conduct Medal. He lived and worked for a time in Denver, Colo., where he was employed by the Denver Post until his retirement. Billy later returned to Missouri where he lived in Granby and then Nevada.

In 2001, while working for Ramey's Supermarket, he received the Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce Nevada Smiles Award. Management at the time commented that "he made you feel as if he really appreciated the fact that you shopped at his store." Billy was also a great handyman and could build or repair almost anything. His hobbies included fishing and hunting small game. It was his wish to be cremated and for his son J.D. to return him back to Colorado.

Aside from his wife, survivors include his son, Jonathan David Collins, Castlerock, Colo.; two stepsons, Jesse Jones and his wife, Cheryl, Nevada, and David Jones, state of Montana; one stepdaughter, Helen Spencer, Walker, Mo.; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; aunts, uncles, and cousins. Of special mention are Uncle Lloyd Yandell, Roseville, Calif., whom was very special to Billy; and Aunt Evelyn Damron, Topeka, Kan., who helped raise him.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ferry Funeral Home. No local services are planned at this time.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com