04/09/2024
LaVon Lee Collins, 93, passed away Monday, April 1, 2024, at his home in Butler, Indiana.He was born August 12, 1930, in Butler, Indiana to Evan B. and Dorothy (Imhoff) Collins.
LaVon was a veteran of the United States Army serving in the Korean War.
He married Carma Lou Mason on November 17, 1968, in Butler, Indiana.
LaVon worked for General Motors in Defiance, Ohio. He then owned and operated Collins Tavern in Butler for 64 years. During that time, he also owned and operated Broadway Laundry and Car Wash in Butler.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 202 of Butler.
He was an avid classic car and muscle car collector along with automotive memorabilia. He also loved to travel, mostly to automotive auctions.
Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Carma Collins of Butler; four children, Char (Todd Elkins) Suntken of Auburn, Sharon (Dave) Stark of Osseo, Michigan, Evan (Dianne) Collins of Dade City, Florida, and Kelly (Billy) Collins Ross of Butler; daughter/granddaughter, Nicole (Austin) Baker; four grandchildren, Jennifer (Russ) Rigsby, Alisa (Nate) Worden, Angie (Jerry Oberlin) Stark, and Caleb (Hannah) Stark; 11 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Jennifer M. (Gilbert) Collins; and a brother, Galen Collins.
Services will be 11 a.m. Monday, April 8, 2024, at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center St., Auburn, with visitation from 10 – 11 a.m. prior to the service. The Rev. Stuart Kruse will be officiating.
Burial will take place at Butler Cemetery.
Visitation also will be from 2 – 6 p.m. Sunday, April 7, 2024, at the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to National Auto & Truck Museum, 1000, Gordon M. Buehrig Pl, Auburn, Indiana 46706 or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
