Luke Gordon Collins, Jr., 64, of Winnie, went to be with Jesus in Heaven on Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at his home, surrounded by his wife and children. He fought a courageous battle with multiple myeloma.  Luke was employed with Goodyear Chemical for thirty-seven years before his retirement. He was a wonderful carpenter, plumber, mechanic and all around handyman that could fix anything.  Luke enjoyed attending mission trips with the youth to Mission, Texas, working vacation bible school, and also going to the Baptist student union and feeding students.  All the little ones called him “Paw Paw.”  His favorite place to be was Pedernales Falls State Park, where he worked as a volunteer.  He also enjoyed bird watching and having breakfast with his retired co-workers from Goodyear.  Luke was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather who never met a stranger.

He leaves behind his best friend and wife of forty-three years, Patsy Collins, daughters, Debbie Collins and Karen Gary and her husband, Kevin, all of Pearland; son, Rusty Collins and his wife, Amanda of Port Neches; and six grandchildren, Catherine, Conner Luke, Carson, Carter, Brock Gordon, and Cara; and sisters, Cheryl Bartholomew, Sue Thrash and Mary Ammermann. 

Luke is preceded in death by his parents, Luke G. Collins, Sr. and Elena Mae Collins; sister, Elena Mae Yentzen; and brother, Leon Percy Collins.

A gathering of his family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, April 26, 2012, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland.  His funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 27, 2012, at First Baptist Church of Hamshire, 25304 Highway 124, Hamshire, Texas 77622, under the direction of Broussard’s. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Luke’s name to www.CaringBridge.org

A private family committal will be held at a later date.