Ralph E. Collins

Ralph E. Collins, 87 years young, of French Lick, Indiana, entered into eternal rest on May 2nd, 2017 at Springs Valley Meadows in French Lick, Indiana.

He was born in Orange County, Indiana on December 21st, 1929 to Howard T. and Oma A. “Apple” Collins.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and (1) Sister – Dorothy Elmore.

Ralph graduated from French Lick High School with the Class of 1947. After high school, he joined the United States Army where he served his country proudly for 4 years. After being honorably discharged from the United States Army, Ralph began his career in the construction/excavation field.

His first job was with Milar Walls Sandstone Company in French Lick, Indiana. In 1966, while still working at the Sandstone Company, Ralph started his own construction company, Ralph E. Collins Excavating. In 1971 Ralph left the sandstone company and went to work for Reynolds Inc where he worked until 1980. After leaving Reynolds, Ralph returned to his own construction company, R.E. Collins and Sons Construction where he worked until his retirement. He built numerous ponds throughout his career and mainly enjoyed operating his dozer and excavator.

He is survived by:

(2) Sons Tom Collins (Karen) French Lick, Indiana
Jon Collins (Jamie) French Lick, Indiana

(1) Daughter Nancy Bland (Roscoe) Milltown, Indiana

(8) Grandchildren (17) Great-Grandchildren


Cremation was chosen and a private Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Brosmer-Kemple Funeral Service, French Lick, Indiana. 47432. Condolences may be made on our Facebook page at Brosmer-Kemple Funeral Home or at our website – www.brosmer-kemplefuneralhome.com.