Larry Roe Collins

Larry (Pear) Roe Collins, a lifelong resident of Emporia, Kansas passed away peacefully at his home on August 6, 2025, at the age of 95, surrounded by his family.

Born on March 9, 1930, in Emporia, Pear was the son of Roe and Edith Collins.  Pear is lovingly remembered by his family: daughter, Leigh Ann Collins of Overland Park, KS; his sons, Gus (Sally) Collins of Rose Hill, Kansas, and Mitchell (Debra) Collins of Blue Springs, Missouri; his granddaughters, Tara (Brandon) Keele of St. Louis, Missouri and Brogan (Levi) Huneke of Georgetown, Texas; and his great-granddaughter, Penelope Keele.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Doug Collins and his sister, Beth Curchy and his wife, June Collins.

Pear graduated from Roosevelt High in 1948 and attended C of E for a year, where he played baseball. In November of 1950, he married, June Adam, in their hometown of Emporia. They were just shy of celebrating their 75 th wedding anniversary. Pear began his career in construction; building homes in Emporia, including the family home he built in 1964 where he and June raised their family. He later joined Burnap Bros. Plumbing and Heating Co. as a master plumber, dedicating over 50 years to the trade and eventually becoming co-owner of the business. An avid sportsman, Pear spent his younger years fishing at the family cabin on Lake Kahola in the summer and golfing.  Pear started golfing on the sand greens in Riverside then advanced to the grass greens, where he routinely beat his sons and nephews, even into his 70's. In the winter, he enjoyed hunting throughout Kansas and South Dakota. Upon retirement, Pear and June enjoyed many trips to Arizona during the winter months. Pear found joy tending to his garden, or sitting outside in his swing, continuing his lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.

In honor of Pear's life, memorial contributions may be made to Hand in Hand Hospice and sent to Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, PO Box 175, Emporia, KS 66801.  Pear's life will be celebrated in a memorial service Saturday, October 11 th from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM at the American Legion, 2921 W 12 th , Emporia.