News
Claude “Truman” Collins, 1942 – 2022
The Collins Family is saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Claude Truman Collins. Truman passed away on Tuesday, Sep. 6, at the age of 80, at Legacy Nursing Home in Tallulah, Louisiana. After bravely battling through various health issues in recent years, he was ready to be in the arms of his Heavenly Father.
Claude Truman Collins was born on Feb. 24, 1942, in East Carroll Parish, Louisiana, to Wilburn Truman Collins and Bessie Lee Florence Collins. In 1961, he graduated from Tallulah High School where he played multiple sports. After graduation, Truman attended Southern State in Magnolia, Arkansas, and was a member of the football, track, swim and boxing teams, earning the Arkansas golden glove for lightweight boxing. Before returning to Tallulah to settle down on his farm, Truman served in the Navy Reserve for two years.
Though he worked for Midwest Ice Cream Company and Scott Tractor for a while, Truman knew his true love was farming, and he dedicated the next 50 years of his life to working his land alongside his dad and brothers and eventually his sons. Curt and Dave had the privilege of learning the groundwork of old school farming, while Truman reluctantly accepted their modernization to computerized tractors and bookkeeping. Truman knew it was time to retire from farming when they bought a new tractor that had no levers and it could drive itself. Truman met the love of his life, Diane, in high school and married her on August 22, 1964. For 58 years, Truman and Diane were devoted to each other. This love overflowed to their three children, their grandchildren and many others.
Truman was very special to all who knew him and was specifically known for his mischievous personality and lavish storytelling. He lived by his favorite motto: “Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story”.
Truman was preceded in death by his parents, Wilburn and Bessie Lee Collins, and his brother, Gerald Collins. Truman left behind a legacy of family members including his wife, Diane Roberson Collins, three adult children-Curt Collins (Stephanie), Tonya Reeves (Ken) and Dave Collins (Kendra); and seven grandchildren- Laura Beth Shufelt (Caleb), Savannah Collins, Jake Reeves, Joshua Collins, Aidan Collins, Preston Collins, and Courtland Collins. Truman also leaves behind two brothers, Donald Collins (Jeannie) and Steven Collins (Lydia), as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and cousins, all who loved Truman.
The funeral service for Truman Collins will be held at First Baptist Church, Tallulah, LA at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sep. 10, with Bro. Jay Parker officiating. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Burial will follow the funeral service in Memorial Park Cemetery in Tallulah under the direction of Crothers-Glenwood Funeral Home.
The pallbearers are his grandsons, Courtland Collins, Joshua Collins, Jake Reeves, and Caleb Shufelt; and Gary Vogel and Luke Fortenberry. Honorary pallbearers are nephews, Danny Collins, Greg Collins, Kevin Collins, Randy Collins, Tracy Collins, Rick Kivett, Robbie Kivett, and Tim Roberson.
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