SHOW ME - Warrensburg - Johnson County - West Central Missouri History

Morris L. Collins, 72 of Warrensburg, Missouri transitioned on Monday, November 4, 2019 at his residence. 

Morris Lynn Collins was born May 28, 1947 at KU Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, son of Jesse T. and Barbara J. (Jefferson) Collins.  He was raised north of Warrensburg, MO in the Mt. Olive Community.

Morris Collins, a native Missourian and life-long resident of the Warrensburg area was reared on a farm in rural Johnson County, attending a one-room country schoolhouse until integration of schools placed him in the 4th grade in Warrensburg Public Schools in 1956.  He graduated from Warrensburg High School in 1965, and later Central Missouri State College in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Art Education and English.  In 1973 he received a Master’s Degree in Art Education from Central Missouri State University and had done additional work towards a Specialist degree.  He had also continued his studies at Aenon Bible College, Indianapolis, IN.     

Mr. Collins’ 50 year career as an educator began in 1969, when he was hired as the first African American teacher in the Warrensburg school system following the integration of schools in 1954.  Following his retirement from Warrensburg School District in 2002, he became an adjunct Professor for the University of Central Missouri, teaching for the Department of Art & Design.  He also served as a liaison and university supervisor for student teacher candidates.  Mr. Collins received numerous awards and accolades throughout his tenure in education including being named Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year, receiving a 2003 Missouri House of Representatives Resolution honoring him as “Outstanding Missourian”, the Doris Houx Kirkpatrick Community Service Award, and the UCM Legacy Alumni Award this past October.

Morris served as a 15-year member of the Warrensburg R-VI Board of Education, where he served twice as the first African American board president.  State-wide, he served on the Board of Directors for the Missouri School Boards Association.  He was president of the Howard School Preservation Association, a not-for-profit group dedicated to preserving and restoration of the historic Howard School in Warrensburg.  This school has had long-time historic ties with Missouri’s premier African-American educational institution, Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO.  He was also a co-founder of the local Diversity & Dialogue Group which serves the Warrensburg community, along with the Diversity & Inclusion Commission on human relations established by the Warrensburg City Council to address discrimination issues concerning housing, jobs, community participation, etc.

Pastor Collins accepted his call to the ministry at age 42 and served as a licensed minister and assistant pastor for 23 years with his father, the late Senior District Elder Jesse T. Collins, Sr. On Sunday, December 2, 2012, he was installed by Bishop Jones Foote, now Diocesan Bishop of the 61ST  Episcopal District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, as Senior Pastor of Jesus Saves Pentecostal Church in Warrensburg, MO.  As of, Saturday, October 20, 2018, Pastor Collins was elevated to the position of District Elder by Diocesan Bishop Mark C. Tolbert, 1st Assistant Presiding Bishop of the P.A.W., Inc.  The church serves a diverse mix of long time members, military personnel, university students, young people, and visitors from a variety of backgrounds and religious experiences.

Morris Collins and his family traveled extensively throughout the United States, having visited 48 of the 50 States and Canada.  He enjoyed collecting maps and model cars, as well as, cooking a variety of dishes for family and friends.

His longtime motto: “Don’t Let Nobody Define You.”  Only you and God can define who you are and what your future can be.

Pastor Collins leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 46 years, Loretta Mae Collins (Derritt) of Leavenworth, KS, their four children: Christa Collins, Seth Collins (Rebecca), Barbara Hill (Daunte), and Sarah Collins, two special great-nephews: Jacob Derritt and Nathan Derritt (Hanna), one special great-great-nephew Keyshawn, and four grandchildren, A’Nyah Hill, Lynden Hill, Daunte Kevin Hill II (DK), and Abigail Collins, two sisters Karen Levine, Mary Roberson (Willie), one brother Michael Collins(Brenda), a host of brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Morris was proceeded in transition by his father Jesse T. Collins, Sr. his mother Barbara J. Collins, his brother Jesse T. Collins, Jr. (Gladys), his step-mother Francis Collins, and his step-sister Juanita Collins.

I will bless the Lord at all times.  His praise shall continually be in my mouth.  

Psalms 34:1

There will be a Visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration Service from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, November 15, 2019 at Jesus Saves Pentecostal Church, 400 West Culton, Warrensburg.

 Visitation services will resume at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Home Going Service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2019, at the Warrensburg High School, with Bishop Mark C. Tolbert officiating. 

Interment will follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery in Warrensburg.

Repast/ Dinner will follow at the Warrensburg High School following internment.

Pallbearers will be Keith Collins, Anthony Collins Sr., Jaason Levine, Jacob Derritt, Kevin Collins, Kellon O’Dell

Honorary Pallbearers will be Willie Roberson, Sky Roberson, Seneca Roberson, Ronelle Watts, Stevie Hardin, Ronnie Collins, Chester Collins, Robert Collins, Paris Rucker, Cody Moody, Jaylen Levine, Nicholas Levine, Malik Levine, Caleb Collins, Malacai Collins, Mark Collins, Javier Derritt, Keyshawn Derritt

Memorial Contributions are suggested to Morris Collins Memorial Fund through F & C Bank of Warrensburg.

Arrangements entrusted to Williams Funeral Chapel in Warrensburg. 

Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net