Emmerett LaVelle Collins of Montgomery City, MO passed away on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at University of Missouri Hospital, Columbia, MO. LaVelle was born May 20, 1951 in West Plains, MO to Junior and Fern (Johnson) Collins. He was a 1969 graduate of Hermann High School and 1973 graduate of Central Methodist University.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Iris (Beabout) Collins and sister, Martha (Jim) Zimmermann of Hermann, MO. Other survivors include an uncle, Bob (Carol) Johnson of Hermann, MO, aunts, Lillian Collins of West Plains, MO and Lena Benfield of Marble Hill, MO plus numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Harvester, St. Charles, MO where he could be found most Sunday mornings greeting at the west door for both services.

LaVelle held several jobs during his life, including teacher/coach, grocery store owner, fishing guide, mill employee with Purina Mills and sales representative for Silver Moon Feeds. At the time of his retirement, he was a Substance Abuse Technician at Center Pointe Hospital in St. Charles, MO.

In retirement, he loved playing golf, enjoyed the company of family and friends and preparing Bar-B-Q. Lavelle was a kind, generous, good hearted man, who was always trying hard to do some good in the world.  Many have described him as "one of a kind".

There will be a Celebration of Life on Monday, September 17, 2018 at noon. Visitation from 10 a.m. until time of service at First Baptist Church Harvester, 4075 Old Hwy 94 S, St Charles, MO 63304. (Next to Kohl's at Jungermann Road). LaVelle will be cremated, per his wishes, with burial at a later date in Inman Cemetery located in Douglas County, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution are suggested to charity of choice or 212 Club, 204-G West Pitman Street, O'Fallon, MO 63366.