Wade Collins
Jerry Wade Collins, age 90, passed away July 1, 2022, in Hamilton.
Funeral arrangements are with Heartland Funeral and Cremation of Comanche. Funeral services were July 6 with Vicki Lackey officiating. Interment was in the Union Cemetery of Gustine.
Wade was born July 9, 1931, to Jerry and Ruth Collins in Gustine at the home of his grandparents, Tom and Lina Patton. He was delivered by his grandfather, Dr. Wade D. Collins. His love for the land and the people resulted in spending his life in Gustine.
His school days began at Pettit, and at the eighth-grade level he entered Gustine School. He graduated from Gustine High, where he was a member of the F.F.A., earning his Lone Star Farmers Degree. He was District President for one year. He held various offices during his high school years, as well as being a member of the football team.
Wade married Buena White on June 18, 1950. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Gustine. He served on the Gustine School Board and Gustine City Council. He was awarded an Honorary Charter Farm Degree and an F.F.A. Appreciation award. Wade was a Scout Master, Lions Club President and Volunteer Firefighter.
Wade began farming at an early age. In 1964, he opened Wade Collins’ Enco Service Station on Highway 36. During this time, he continued to farm and ranch. Wade was a member of the International Registered Brangus Association. In December 1994, he retired from the service station business.
Wade was matter-of-fact in speech, generous, honest, dependable, supportive, fun and funny. He deeply loved his family. He is already greatly missed.
Wade was preceded in death by his parents.
Family left behind include his wife Buena; daughter Debbie Winters and husband David of Gustine; two grandchildren and their spouses, Angela and Stephen Southern of Temple and Luke and Jaime Winters of Amarillo; and three great-grandchildren, Collin Southern of Temple and Mallory and Daphne Winters of Amarillo.
Condolences to the family can be left online at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net
