Joseph Calvin Collins, age 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 9, 2020 with his family by his side.

Calvin, as he was known was born July 4, 1939 in Prairie Ronde, Louisiana to the proud parents of the late Abe Collins and Julia Jones Collins.

He graduated from Joseph Celestine High School in Mamou, Louisiana and attended McNeese State University, Tyler Barber College, Kiddy's Barber College and Sowela Technical Institute.

He was an all around person who was well known by everyone and always had a smile on his face. He was a genuinely self-made man. Calvin worked his way from the gas station, to Conoco, and evidently owner of Collins Service Center. His work was his passion.  Calvin enjoyed going to the McNeese Cowboys' games. He retired as supervisor from Conoco Phillips Refinery in Westlake, Louisiana after 34 years. He retired from the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury after 20 years of service.

Calvin was a faithful member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where he was a member of the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Peter Claver Council #141. Other  organizations he was a member of were the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, the NAACP, the Black Caucus and the Independent Democratic Association.

He enjoyed spending time with his family; he looked forward to family gatherings and always had a story to tell. He always had encouraging words to share.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Abe and Julia Collins; three brothers, Amos Collins, Sr., Aaron Collins, Sr. and Jesse Collins; two sisters, Hester Leblanc and Florence Thomas; six  brothers-in-law, Hebert LeBlanc, Sr., Fanley Thomas, Eugene Celestine, Ewell Vallier, Joseph Elkin and John Nelson Batiste; seven sisters-in-law, Mary LouWilda Collins, Oline and Eula Mae Collins, Regina Batiste Bellard, Aline Vallier, Lucille Smith and Ella Louise Batiste; father and mother-in-laws, Lennis and Cecilia Batiste.

Cherishing his memory is his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Lou Batiste Collins, of Lake Charles, Louisiana; three amazing daughters that will continue his legacy, Gwendolyn (James) Guillory of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Peggy Collins of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and DeWanda (Kevin) Charles of Jacksonville, Florida; five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. They will forever cherish his memories, one brother, Chester (Jo) Collins of Lake Charles, Louisiana; three sisters, Joyce Celestine and Julia Bell of Mamou, Louisiana and Mary Alice Joubert of Lake Charles, Louisiana; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was a visionary!!