Joe Van Collins, 73, went home to be with the Lord on October 27, 2018. He was born in Kenver, Kentucky on March 2, 1945, the son of the late Henry and Mattie Collins. Joe served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged as a Sargent. Joe retired from the State Developmental Center as a Supervisor in 2007. Joe served as a volunteer chaplain at Lutheran Hospital for many years. He was a member of Highland Gospel Church. Surviving are his wife of 26 years, Sandi Collins; children, Travis (Niki) Collins, Joseph (Taylor) Collins, Tommiejoe (Lynn) Collins, Craig (Michelle) Helland, and Penny Jane Walker; 10 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren; and half-brother, Frankie Ramsey. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at Highland Gospel Community Church, 3800 N. Clinton St. Fort Wayne, IN 46805. Visitation will be two hours prior. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
