Richard C. "Cowboy" Collins

January 12, 1931 - March 18, 2018

Mr. Richard Caril “Cowboy” Collins of Trumann left this walk of life and entered into his heavenly home Sunday, March 18, 2018 at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark., at the age of 87 years, 2 months and 6 days. Richard was born Monday, January 12, 1931 in Bay, Ark., and lived most of his life in Trumann. He begin farming at the age of 13 after the death of his father to help support his mother and siblings. He loved to raise a garden, truck patch and riding horses. After he retired he then spent most of his time caring for his horses with his good friend Debbie “Cowgirl” Smith on Collins Loop. He was preceded in death by one son, Richard Caril Collins, Jr; one daughter, Lavita Collins Walker; two brothers, Calvin Collins and Wayne Collins; one sister, Lucille Collins Webb; and his parents, Tilton Pillar Collins, Martin and Ethel Pearson Collins Kemper.

He is survived by the love of his life Betty Onstead Collins of 62 years; two daughters, Carol Brooks-Smithson (Harold) and Melissa Kaye Mabe (Richard) both of Trumann; six grandchildren whom he loved and were his pride and joy, he was not only their grandfather but also a Father Figure for them, their rock and hero Autumn Hicks (David), Jennifer Foster, Amber Fleming, Zachary Fleming, Leiona Walker and Raven Walker; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; one sister, Linda Kay Williams (Avondale); one brother, H.R. Collins, and a dearly loved brother-in-law Charles Onstead (Ernie) a host of nieces and nephews whom loved him dearly and his loyal friend Debbie “Cowgirl” Smith.

Celebration of Life service will be Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of Thompson Funeral Home with Rev. Linda K. Williams and Rev. Anthony Patterson officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery in Jonesboro, Ark.

Pallbearers will be Debbie Smith, Zach Fleming, Colton Foster, Ty Foster, Doug Foster, Justin Kelly, Matt Mabe and Lucas Mabe. Honorary pallbearers will be Avondale Williams, Harold Smithson, Davis Hicks, Richard Mabe, Greg Kemper, Lee Reeves, Duane Horne, Brian Wilson and Doug Orsburn.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann.

An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net