Larry Dean Collins, 65, of Valrico, Fla., formerly of Terre Haute, Ill., lost a two-year-long battle to lung cancer on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla.
Larry was born on Dec. 20, 1957, in La Harpe, Ill., the son of Wesley R. and Lois E. Bennett Collins. He married Brenda K. Bennett on Sept. 3, 1977, at Terre Haute United Methodist Church.
Larry graduated from La Harpe High School in 1976. He worked at Housewright Lumber Yard before moving to Florida to work at a family business, of Bennett Custom Homes. He later went to work for South Co. Construction, where he was a construction supervisor until he retired.
Larry loved his family and enjoyed doing things for them and working on his classic cars. He was a member of the LaHarpe Christian Church.
Survivors include his mother, Lois Collins La Harpe, Ill., wife, Brenda Collins Valrico, Fla., two sons, Ryan (Kattie) Collins, Plant City, Fla., and Jon (Tara) Collins, Valrico, Fla.; five grandchildren; Tyler, Jacob, Jordan, Lindsi, & Matthew Collins; sister-in-law Kathy Collins, niece, Sarah (Peter) Schmeer, and nephew, Ben Collins.
Larry was preceded in death by his father, Wesley, and brother, David.
A Graveside service was held Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at La Harpe Cemetery with Pastor Cody Stinnett officiating.
Banks & Beals Funeral Home of LaHarpe is assisting the family.
A memorial fund has been established for the La Harpe Christian Church or Moffitt Cancer Center. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Larry’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.