Lawrence Ellis Collins, 66

Lawrence Ellis Collins, 66, of Smithton, died Thursday, January 31, 2013, at University of Missouri Hospital, Columbia.  He was born on February 15, 1946, at Sedalia, Missouri, a son of Andrew Ellis and Nita Jo (Sands) Collins.  He was raised by his aunt and uncle, Josephine and Clyde Forth.   In 1964, Larry graduated from Butler High School.  He served his country honorably in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, where he received a purple heart.   On February 17, 1979, at Calvary Baptist Church, Sedalia, he was united in marriage to Linda Sue Copas, who survives of the home.  Later that year, he was baptized of Calvary Baptist Church.   Larry had worked for ABM Industries in Sedalia and drove a truck for J. B. Hunt and Ditzfeld Transfer in Sedalia.  He enjoyed driving a truck and was a very dedicated worker. He loved spending time with his family, grandchildren, and his baby dog, Jasper.   Besides his wife, he is survived by:  his daughter, Janie Copas-Maples and James of Sedalia;  his son, Chad Copas and Tamara of Sedalia;  his "sister", Linda Cruzan and James of Sedalia;  four grandchildren, Scott Maples, Stormy Marcotte, Elizabeth Copas, and Madysin Copas; and four great-grandchildren, James, Zadin, Xavier, and Hadleigh.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Nita Collins. Funeral services will be held at Noon on Tuesday, February 5, 2013, at Calvary Baptist Church, Sedalia,  with  Rev. Ted Frances and Ron Ditzfeld officiating.  Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery, Sedalia, with military rites by the American Legion Post No. 305 of Cole Camp. Friends may call after 3:00 p.m. on Monday at Rea Funeral Chapel in Sedalia. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until service time on Tuesday at the church. The family suggests memorial contributions be given to Calvary Baptist Church or the donor's choice of charity  in care of the Fox Funeral Home, Cole Camp. Pallbearers will be Tom Howard, Nathan Wilcox, Robert Copas, Jeff Copas, James Cruzan, and Robert Neighbors, Butch Merriott.  Honorary pallbearers will be the employees of Ditzfeld Transfer.