Leonard Curtis Collins

Leonard “Curtis” Collins, 91, of Texas City, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025, at UTMB Victory Lakes.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 23, at Emken-Linton Funeral Home in Texas City. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Curtis was born on March 14, 1934, in Refugio, Texas, to the late Leonard Lee Collins and Nancy Bell Collins (née Black). He was the eldest of three children and spent his early years in Humble before moving to Madisonville, Texas, where he graduated from high school. He attended Sam Houston State University, where he discovered a passion for creative writing.

In 1954, Curtis married his high school sweetheart, LaNeita Batson. Together, they had one son, Ronald. The family moved to Texas City in 1964, where Curtis worked as a chemical plant operator—first at Monsanto, and later at Sterling Chemical, retiring in 1998. He and LaNeita shared 27 years of marriage until her passing in 1981.

In 1983, Curtis married Diane Baird and became a loving stepfather to her three children. They were married for 27 years until her passing in 2010. Curtis and Diane were dedicated supporters of their grandchildren, attending school events, sporting competitions, theater productions, horse shows, and family milestones.

In his younger years Curtis enjoyed camping, fishing, and staying active through sports and fitness. A lifelong learner and self-taught hobbyist, he pursued interests in automotive mechanics, electronics repair, computer programming, and woodworking. He approached every project with curiosity and determination and excelled in them all.

He was a devoted husband, a proud father and grandfather, and a kind man who deeply cherished his family.

Curtis was preceded in death by his first wife, LaNeita Collins (née Batson); his second wife, Diane Collins (née Adams, formerly Baird); his parents, Leonard and Nancy Collins; and his brother, Jack Collins.

He is survived by his children: Ron Collins (Debbie), Shawna Baird, Lisa Calhoun (Jeremy), and Brent Baird (Stephanie); grandchildren, who knew him as Papa C.: Jennifer Dunzelman (Stephen), Ryan Calhoun, Sofia Calhoun, Charlee Baird, and Keaton Baird; and great-granddaughter: Rebecca Dunzelman. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Swonke (Charlie); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.