Barbara Thompson Collins, born Barbara Ann Bethea on January 28, 1923 in Washington, DC, passed away on April 20, 2024 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Barbara was a devoted wife to her late husbands, Robert H. Thompson and Kenneth L. Collins. She is survived by her loving nieces and nephews of the Frazier family and Collins family, the McKenzie family, as well as her close friend Gerald Young. Barbara attended Bethesda Chevy Chase High School in Maryland. She began her 47-year career with the Federal Government as a Secretary in the Public Works Department at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. She retired as a Contracting Officer with the Navy Aviation Logistics Management Center. Barbara worshipped at Trinity English Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. An adventurous soul, Barbara traveled to over 65 countries, with her favorite trip being to Australia where she met her husband Ken, while he was also on vacation. She enjoyed playing bridge, engaging in fellowship with her neighbors at the Towne House, and participating in the Southwest Circle Ladies church group. She was an also a member of the Fort Wayne Women's Club. On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 1:30 pm a memorial service for Barbara will be held at The Towne House Retirement Community chapel at 2209 Saint Joe Center Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825. Visitation hours will be from 12:30-1:30 pm. The ceremony will be conducted by Pastors Doug Vogel and Phil Collins. Burial services will be held at a later date in Leonardtown, Maryland. Barbara will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
