John Wesley Collins

John Wesley Collins, 52, of Livingston Parish, passed away leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, and stories that will be told for years to come.

John was born on June 28, 1973, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and was a proud graduate of Doyle High School. A true hands-on man, John spent his working years as a pipe fitter, iron worker, and welder-jobs that perfectly matched his strong work ethic and talent for building just about anything with his hands.

When he wasn’t working, John was doing what he loved most. He enjoyed music, fishing, hunting, gaming, leather work, and tending to his chickens and garden-all things that brought him peace and joy. He was the kind of person who could lose track of time doing something he loved and didn’t mind getting a little dirt under his nails along the way.

Above all else, John was a family man. He shared 33 years of marriage with the love of his life, Jodie L. Collins, and together they built a family full of love and laughter. He was a proud father to Jacob Wesley Dewayne Collins (wife Kristin Collins) and Sarah Elizabeth Collins, and an even prouder “Pawpaw” to his granddaughter Zayla Collins, with another granddaughter on the way — a joy he was eagerly anticipating.

John is also survived by his father George Wesley Collins (Terrie Collins); sisters Elizabeth “Nikki” Collins, Laura Johnson, and Molly Collins; brothers Johnny Currence, Jimmy Currence, and Seth Collins; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his mother Claudette Smiley; Lucille Collins, Marsen Collins, Vera Smiley, and Winson Smiley, all of whom welcomed him home with open arms.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Jacob Collins, Justin Lewis, Seth Collins, Colton Lewis, Hunter Lewis, Jimmy Collins, Isaiah Fields, and Jason Cross.Honorary pallbearers are Wesley Collins, Daniel Stewart, and Todd Stafford.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Kelly Crothers, Janna Arledge, and Jimmy Collins for their love, support, and kindness during this time.

Visitation will be held at Seale Funeral Home in Livingston on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with services beginning at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Stafford Cemetery #1.

John will be remembered for his hardworking nature, his love of family, his many talents, and the quiet joy he found in life’s simple pleasures. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.