Fred Clinton Collins

Frederick Clinton Collins, 82, passed away Monday, July 10, 2023 at his home in Prairie Grove, Arkansas surrounded by his family. Born on May 31, 1941, in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, he was the son of Edgar Clinton and Jewell Elvira (Hunton) Collins.

Fred was an accomplished man. He graduated from Lincoln High School and went on to receive the Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from the University of Arkansas. Following this, he earned his Master of Science in Agronomy from Colorado State University followed by the PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Purdue University.

He was a tenured Full Professor at the University of Arkansas for 17 years where he taught and led research in agronomy, breeding, and genetics. In this role he also mentored numerous undergraduates, graduates, and several National and International graduate students.

Following his academic career, Fred joined CR Seeds in Bay, Arkansas for over 10 years where he was instrumental in its growth through his leadership, research, and development of unique strains of wheat.

Fred was known in his field as “Mr. Wheat of the Mid-South” for developing the most used wheat variety in the region. He was also known for developing an oat variety with the same distinction. Fred was the recipient of multiple awards from the University of Arkansas, Seed Dealers Association, and others for his developments and breeding.

Fred was never far from the field. After his ‘retirement’ he started a vegetable and flower farm and stand on 20 acres near his home in Prairie Grove. However, always generous, he certainly gave away far more than he ever sold. Local kids still fondly recall his annual fall tour of his pumpkin patch for kindergarten students.

In addition to his full academic and professional life, Fred was very active in local civic organizations. Fred served on the Prairie Grove City Council, was President of the Prairie Grove Board of Education, and Chairman of the Prairie Grove Planning Commission. He was a longstanding member and former President of the Prairie Grove Lions Club. In this role, he could be found year after year smoking chicken to benefit local causes at the annual Clothesline Fair.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Deborah Collins, father and mother-in-law William and Ovela Sheffield, sister-in-law Linda Sheffield and brother-in-law James Russell.

Survivors include his wife of 62 1/2 years Jo Anna Collins; one son Lt. Colonel (Ret) Richard Collins and his wife Katherine of Winchester, Virginia; one daughter Debra Houser and her husband Greg of West Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; one sister Deloris Russell; eight grandchildren Brieanna ‘BeBe’ Houser of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Delaney Thomas and her husband Matthew of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, William and Alexandra Collins of Winchester, Virginia, Teddy, Tate, Rudy and Chip Houser all of West Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services in his honor and memory will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, July 15th, 2023, at Luginbuel Chapel in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. The body will be laid to rest in the Prairie Grove Cemetery. There will be no graveside service.

Honorary pallbearers will be J.C. Dobbs, Travis Garrett, Jason Hart, Shayne Hart, Victor Hart, Damon McFadden, and Woodrow Marshall.

Any memorial contributions may be made to University of Arkansas, College of Agriculture, Agronomy Department to support scholarships and student awards.