Larry Lee Collins, 68, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2009, at his home after a battle with Cancer.

Larry was born August 6, 1940, to Larry Leo and Madonna, who preceded him in death. He was a 1958 Bosse High School graduate and attended Florida Southern University, where he joined the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity before returning home to Evansville College to complete his bachelor's and master's degrees in education.

Larry taught physical education at both Delaware and Caze Elementary schools and was a long time member of the Southern Indiana Officials Association where he officiated both basketball and football at the high school level. Larry worked at Ellis Park for many years during the horse racing season. He devoted 44 years to Evansville East Little League Baseball where he could be found most days since his retirement 14 years ago.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Donna, and his four children and their spouses, Laurie (Pumpkin) and Chuck Spagnoli, Lainie (Bird) and Michael Campbell, James (Jock) and Jill Collins, Matthew (Rip) and Shelby Collins.

Larry was known as 'Pops' to his grandchildren; Haley (Bess), Evelyn (Chick), MaryLouise (Sis), Robert (Mic), Nicholas (The Saint), Joey (Nails), Leo (Cleat), Clara Kate (CeCe), Baby Collins (#9 due January).

Services will be held Thursday, July 23, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at Ziemer Funeral Home East Chapel, 800 S. Hebron Ave., Evansville, with Father Tom Kessler officiating.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 22, 2009, from 2 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home

The family would like to extend much appreciation to St. Mary's, Dr.Titzer and staff at OHA, and his primary care givers, friends, Smokey Weber and Steve Hopkins, and Cindy Goodwin and Rhonda Reiner of VistaCare.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Evansville East Little League Baseball, East 7836 East Cherry Street, Evansville, IN 47715

Jul 21, 2009
I want the family to know that Larry's legacy lives in all of us who learned the game from him, and he will live forever as his teachings will be re-taught to countless generations of young players. Even though he is no longer physically with us, his mark on Evansville is tangible, and his shoeprints are deep enough in the soil of the infield that they will never blow away. Samuel, Evansville, IN

Jul 21, 2009
Deepest sympathy to Larry's family on his passing. We were friends during high school and college. He was a fierce competitor on the (Bosse) basketball court (Memorial) and a pal off the court (Coral Drive In...). May he rest in peace. Tom and Pat Langley, Georgetown, TX

Jul 21, 2009
Fuzzy, thanks for the memories, Dexter Grade School, Bosse High School, Florida Southern University. Fitz, Jim Fitzgerald, Indianapolis, IN

Jul 21, 2009
Donna and Family, I am very sad over your loss of Larry, my friend for 55 years.
I will always remember our baseball games at Dexter, hitchhiking home from Bosse after Basketball practice, our time at Evansville College, and all the times I would come home to Evansville to visit my family; Larry would always be there for me.
Larry's love of kids and sports made him a very special person. Naming the Ball Field after him was a great honor and I'm so glad they did it while he was alive. His many years of service will always be remembered.
Our Deepest Sympathy, Bob and Christine Engelbrecht,Cary, NC

Jul 21, 2009
Our deepest Sympathy to all of Larry's family and friends. He will be deeply missed. Larry toouched so many lives and he will never be forgotten. EYB 12 All stars will be thinking of him this week during our tournament. Greg, Lisa, "Beach" Brendan, and Brooke Scheller, Evansville, IN

Dear Collins family, We wanted to express our deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
We have extremely fond memories of Larry and his association with East Side Little League. We were new to Evansville, and Larry and East Side Little League really helped us meet people and become more comfortable in the Evansville community. He was always kind and was an excellent coach. We enjoyed running all over the area in July with the 9 and 10 all-stars. Our son Gabe (Bag) is the ballplayer he is today thanks in part to Larry's influence and guidance in his early years.
God bless all of you. Sincerely, John and Lisa Hoffman, Indianapolis, IN

Jul 21, 2009
I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Coach Collins. His contributions to this community are unparalleled. My brothers and I considered ourselves fortunate to have played and developed under his guidance. I regard his impact and leadership as one of the inspiring factors in deciding to teach and coach myself. Additionally, his kindness to our father during his prolonged illness was a true testament to his generous character and friendship. Jason Engelbrecht (Fast Man), Evansville, IN 

Jul 21, 2009
 I was so sad to hear the news. Mr. Collins brought many smiles to all of us and he will be deeply missed by many. Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers today and always. Julie Brubaker, Highlands Ranch, CO 

Jul 21, 2009
I am so sorry to learn of Larry's passing. He touched many, many people throughout his life and left a common mark on all of us - his infamous touch to your funny bone every time he saw you! All of you are in my thoughts and prayers! Tamara Grismore, Indianapolis, IN 

Jul 21, 2009
Donna and family, Cecelia joins me in expressing our condolences to all of you on the loss of Larry. It was always a joy to see his smiling face at Jock's soccer games. I always appreciated the fact that, despite all his knowledge and experience in athletics, he never interfered in any way with our coaching. We'll remember him and all of you in our prayers this week. Jay Fredrich, Little Rock, AR 

Jul 21, 2009
Collins Family, All our prayers and thoughts go out to you. Larry Lee will be missed. He was a good friend and a fine person. He will be missed by all. We can all celebrate his life of giving and serving. I guess now Ellis Park can be shut down or renamed Collins Park. God knows he paid for the sign. Let us know if we can do anything. Mickey and Pat Flynn, Evansville, IN 

Jul 21, 2009
Dear Family, Your dad will certainly be missed by many people. It has been too long since we last caught up, but I will always remember your dad's wisdom that was conveyed through simple responses that put issues in their proper perspective and priority. (Laurie, my personal favorite is "I cut the grass.") I am thinking and praying for all of you knowing that your Dad impacted so many people in a positive way, including me that his legacy will last for a very long time. Love, Mark Brubaker, Southbury, CT 

Jul 21, 2009
Donna and Family, please accept our sincere wishes of sympathy and condolences at Larry's passing. We appreciated your family's hospitality on Baynard Park while visiting with Gen and Bob and with Larry, there was never a dull moment. Take care of yourselves and dwell on the good memories. In sympathy, Kay and Steve West.
Steve and Kay West, Owensville, OH 

Jul 21, 2009
The Devil aka, Larry Collins was very special to me. A brother official and yes some great stories, to a coach and a great one, hunter ah yes a fair Dove hunter, father, grandfather, husband and just Larry, he is a great person to me and our two sons. I will miss him and many will feel the same. I will always recall his smile and his caring for people in general. Devil, until I see you and Temme take care. Bags (Steve, Lynda, Sean, Carla, Noah and Breaker aka Chris) Steve Bagbey, Evansville, IN 

Jul 21, 2009
My deepest Sympathy to Coach Collins family. Keep that glove down and butt down. Greg "Frog" Frasier, Evansville, IN

Jul 22, 2009
"Some people come into our lives move our souls to dance and awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to qaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never ever the same." Thanks LC for being 'some people'. Keeko, Grin, Chig, Doodle, BonBon, Woody.  Lee Griggs, Evansville, IN 

Jul 22, 2009
To the entire Collins family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Larry and the entire family from all of the years Lainie and I spent together growing up. Larry impacted so many lives and has left quite a legacy for his kids and grandkids. You are all in my prayers. Love,  Lissa [Melissa (Behme) Mauser], Evansville, IN