Obituary of Raymond L "Lennie" Collins

Raymond Leonard “Lennie” Collins, age 75, of Walton, KY, passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Edgewood, KY.  He was a Mechanic and the former owner/operator of Nicholson Service Center in Independence, KY.  Lennie was always working and doing things for other people.  He spread joy by gardening and handing out tomatoes and corn. But family was everything to him, nothing else was more important.  He was a man of strong faith and stronger work ethic, and he enjoyed helping and teaching young people “life lessons” through his “School of Leonard”!  Many of his former employees, who retained his “training”, went on to start successful businesses of their own.  To continue this legacy, the family has set up the Lennie Collins “School of Leonard” Memorial Scholarship Fund, in lieu of flowers, to provide a scholarship to encourage trade students  from Simon Kenton High School.  You can contribute to this fund by clicking here.

Lennie is survived by his wife (of 55 years) Karen Whalen Collins; children, Patrick Collins (Carrie), Julie Collins, and Nathan Naive; grandchildren, Lauren, Eva, Gage, Gaven, Caleb, Caden, and Chandler; brothers, Rock, Boz, Fit, Smell, and Rondo; sisters-in-laws; and numerous cousins.  His parents, Ray and Betty Collins, preceded him in death. 

A Celebration of Life for Lennie will take place on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at the Nicholson Service Center beginning at 12 noon.  Lennie’s committal service will be held privately for the family.