Paul J. Collins

Paul J. Collins, age 83, of Greeley, Kansas, died on Monday, March 16, 2009, at the Olathe Medical Center in Olathe, Kansas. He was born on December 20, 1925, at Emerald, Kansas, the son of Leo and Rose (Magrath) Collins. He graduated from Williamsburg High School in 1943. Paul was self employed his entire working life. After high school, he started a hay supply company. His customers included the Kansas City Stockyards. He and his brother Pat later founded Collins Brothers Construction Company out of Williamsburg, Kansas, doing fencing, guardrail and dirt work in Kansas and Oklahoma. From 1994 through 2001 he owned and operated Paul J. Collins Construction and General Fencing, building many fine fences throughout the area. Blessed with a beautiful voice, Paul was a faithful member of St. John the Baptist Church choir in Greeley. He was active in the parish and served as Church Council President and Chairman of the Maintenance Committee. He was an Honorary Life Member of Council #1901 of the Knights of Columbus in Greeley. Paul was united in marriage to Lucille Lanzrath Feuerborn on November 28, 1970, at St. John the Baptist Church in Greeley, Kansas. They made their home in Greeley. He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Edward, Francis, Lawrence, Charles, Michael, Patrick, and one sister, Rose Catherine; and one step-son, James M. Feuerborn. Paul is survived by his wife Lucille Collins; her children and their spouses; Lois Jameson of Abilene, Texas; Kathryn Sommer of Kansas City; Dale Feuerborn of Kansas City; David and Colette Feuerborn of Greeley; Twenty Grandchildren; Twelve Great Grandchildren; a sister, Theresa Gerrish of Albuquerque, New Mexico; as well as many nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2009, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Greeley, Kansas. The family will greet friends following a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening, March 19, 2009, at St. John the Baptist Church in Greeley. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. John's Building Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com