Buddy J. Collins

Buddy J. Collins, 78, passed away October 4, 2023.  Buddy was born January 20, 1945 in Buckeye, Arizona to George and Marie (Williams) Collins.  He served in the United States Army during Vietnam (1968-1969) and in the Army National Guard Reserves (1977-1979).  Buddy retired after working as a Custodian of Park Hill High School, a Truck Driver of Oil Rigs and as a construction worker. 

Buddy had a great sense of humor.  He was always known for making someone laugh even when they were struggling with life decisions. He was a giver and would give to all those that he felt were in need. Buddy would help a neighbor, friend, coworker, family, and complete strangers. It didn’t matter who they were or what they were going through he was always everybody’s Buddy….literally.  Buddy was a man of his word and also knew when to just listen. No one was a stranger to him; everyone was a friend.  Buddy always had a sweet tooth and loved to share with all his family and friends; especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He would offer them popsicles, candy, and always made sure you were offered a drink.

Some of the family’s favorite quotes from Buddy (Budisms):
“Don’t call me too late for dinner.” 
“You’re a good man, I don’t care what your girlfriend says.”
“That’s not the girlfriend you were with last week.” 
“That needs to shine like a diamond in a goat’s ass.” 
“Not too bad for a Monday.”

Buddy was preceded in death by stepson Alfred Alonzo Pearce, Jr. in 1985, his parents, stepsister Georgia Nash and her husband Dwayne Nash, and his stepbrothers John and Ed Collins.  Survivors include his wife Sherry Collins, stepson Michael M Mumau, stepdaughter Rosetta E. Ballard, five grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and nephew Mike Collins.

Memorial services will be 1:30PM, Thursday, October 12 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd., Kansas City, Missouri.