James Collins

James “Ken” Collins, 86, of Eldora, passed away Thursday, Oct. 5,

2023 at Allen Hospital in Waterloo. Funeral services were set at Abels

Funeral Home at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, with the Rev. Rick

Bachman officiating and visitation Monday, Oct. 9, from

4 to 7 p.m. at Abels Funeral Home.

James Kenneth Collins, son of James Lester and Doris Elizabeth (Smith) Collins

was born Dec. 10, 1936 in Lucerne, Missouri. He graduated from Eldora

High School in 1954. He then joined the United States Air Force and March

18, 1955, married Viola “Vi” Margaret Brock at Shepherd A.F.B. in Wichita Falls,

Texas. After Ken retired from the USAF as a senior master sergeant in 1974

with “20 years and 20 days”, he and his family returned to Eldora. While

walking past the police station in 1974, the chief at the time asked if he wanted

a part-time job. Ken became employed by the Eldora Police Department from

1974 to 1977. He was appointed sheriff in 1977, ran for re-election and won. Ken

was the Hardin County Sheriff until 1980. He then returned to Eldora PD as its

Chief for 17.5 years working along side his son, Rick. Ken enjoyed his family

first, which included many football players. He was an assistant football coach

and had played football on the enlisted USAF team. He was an avid golfer and

loved his Bassett Hounds.

Survivors include daughter-in-law, Pam (Steve) Collins- Schaller of Johnston;

sister-in-law, Patricia Brock of Des Moines; grandchildren, Jim (Tonya) Collins,

Jamie (Shannon) Balvanz, Jesse (Jen) Collins, Missie (Ryan) Lafrenz; great

grandchildren, Ava, Brock, Riley, Chase, Tate, Blakely, Kendrick, and Bearett.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Vi Collins;

daughter, Deb Collins; son, Rick Collins; brother, Gary Collins.