Monroe Collins Jr.

Monroe Collins Jr., age 79, of Carlisle, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Hospice of Butler and Warren Counties—most likely after letting everyone know he was just fine right up until the end.

Born on December 23, 1946, in Buckhorn, Kentucky, to the late Monroe Sr. and Alice Collins (Wooten), Monroe was raised with strong values, a strong work ethic, and a strong opinion about how things ought to be done—usually his way. And more often than not, his way worked.

Monroe proudly served Butler County for over 30 years and later worked at the 12th District Courts for more than 20 years. He believed in showing up, doing the job right, and not making a fuss about it. He was the kind of man who fixed problems quietly, whether it was a broken cabinet, a stubborn appliance, or a family member who needed help—though he might grumble a little while doing it.

A devoted family man, Monroe took great pride in caring for those he loved. Beneath his tough exterior and occasional ornery streak was a deeply kind and generous soul who would help anyone in need, no questions asked. He loved woodworking and built beautiful cabinets with skilled hands and patience—proof that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing right.

Monroe had a strong relationship with God and lived his faith through his actions more than his words. He was steady, dependable, and loyal—qualities his family and friends leaned on for decades.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved daughter, Anita Collins; his son, Todd Collins; and his brother, Eugene Collins.

Monroe leaves behind his devoted wife, Rhonda Collins (Mays); daughters, Carla (Pierre) Boyd and Chassity (Gary) Collins; sons, Larry (Lisa) Collins and Rick Plummer; and a large, proud family of grandchildren, Blake (Angela) Fry, Cody (Hope) Fry, Garrett (Casarah) Fry, Kayla (Chris) Smith, Dustin, and Daniel Mitchell, Trevor, Justin, and Ethan Collins, Reba (Martin Tillett) Plummer, Kaylee (Jaime Razo) Plummer, and Jonathon (Rhea) Plummer and great-grandchildren, Alexis, Zane, Marley, Gabriel, Kalli, Octavia, and McKenna Fry, Corbin, Rett, Hudson, and Walker Smith, Dylan, Zander, Aidyn, and Spencer Mitchell, Waylon Plummer, and Aiden Razo all who knew him as a man who might not say much—but always showed up. He is also survived by his sister, Geraldine, his brother, Glenn, and many extended family members and friends who will miss his steady presence, practical wisdom, and unmistakable personality.

A visitation will be held at Anderson Funeral Home, located at 1357 E. 2nd St., Franklin, Ohio, 45005, on February 7, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The funeral service will follow at the same location, starting at 4:00 pm.