Max Reid Collins

Max Reid Collins, 82, of Lake Charles passed away at 3:36 PM on Friday, June 5, 2015 in his residence surrounded by his loving family following his second bout with cancer. Mr. Collins was born on January 28, 1933 in Kannapolis, NC. He was a 1951 graduate of Cannon High School and worked at the local Cannon Mills for a short period of time before enlisting in the US Air Force. He served during the Korean Conflict and after serving his tour was stationed at the Lake Charles Air Force Base. He then went to work in Lake Charles for Southern Bell where he met and married Betty Matte. He then worked as an outside machinist for Continental Carbon for 24 years and retired from Vista Chemical after 10 years of service. Mr. Collins was a member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed woodworking, having built numerous pieces of furniture and assisted in building many homes. Most important to him was his family, especially his grandchildren. Mr. Collins was a devoted husband and father and will be missed dearly. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of nearly 59 years, Betty Matte Collins; a son, Eldridge Floyd Collins and wife Allison of Lake Charles; three daughters and their spouses, Belinda "Bea" Hebert and Scot of Lake Charles, Joanne Law and Steve of Lake Charles, and Lillie Estella Almaguer and Americo of Friendswood, TX; a sister, Barbara Gail Etcherson of Kannapolis, NC; five precious grandchildren, Jessica Sensat, Erin Hebert, Kylie Law, Tyler Collins, and Kyle Almaguer; and two adorable great grandchildren, Marlee Sensat and Ella Clooney. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eldridge Floyd and Lillie Mae Reid Collins. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Monsignor James Gaddy will officiate. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Monday from 11:00 AM until 9:00 PM with a rosary and scripture service being held at 6:00 PM. Visitation will resume on Tuesday from 8:00 AM until the start of the service. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Percival Kane and to the staff of Amedisys Hospice for their sincere compassion and care given to Mr. Collins.