Rev. Jack Stanley Collins

Jack Stanley Collins July 14, 1934 – July 11, 2026 Jack Stanley Collins, a visionary minister and architect of dignity for people with disabilities, passed away on July 11, just 3 days shy of his 92nd birthday. His life was a seamless tapestry woven from threads of faith, civil rights activism, and a relentless drive to empower the marginalized. From the pulpit to public policy, Jack’s legacy is defined by his belief that every human being deserves not just care, but the power to choose their own path. A Foundation of Faith and Justice Born in Sharon, PA, to Stanley and Irene Collins, Jack’s journey of service began early. Baptized at age 12 at Central Christian Church, he felt a calling that led him to preach his first sermons in Smithfield while still a college student at Bethany College. His first senior pastor role was in Jeromesville, OH. While there, his theological education at Oberlin College’s Graduate School of Theology (class of 1960) was pivotal. He specialized in church social ministries with a focus on mental health and counseling, foreshadowing his life’s work. This spiritual foundation propelled him into the heart of the Civil Rights Movement. In August 1963, while serving as Senior Pastor of Lake Shore Christian Church in Euclid, OH, Jack traveled to Washington, D.C. He stood among the thousands at the March on Washington, witnessing history as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. That day cemented Jack’s conviction that faith must be active, demanding justice and equality for all God’s children. Redefining Care: From Institutions to Independence In West Lafayette, he was Minister of Education at Federated Christian Church. But Jack’s ministry extended far beyond the church walls. In 1969, he earned an MS in Social Psychology from Purdue University, concentrating on organizational dynamics to better serve vulnerable populations. This expertise launched a transformative era in disability services. As Program Administrator and later Executive Director of the Marion County Association for Retarded Citizens (now Noble Centers) in Indianapolis, Jack led the charge away from institutionalization. During his tenure (1969–1979), he helped develop groundbreaking services that allowed individuals with developmental disabilities to live, work, and socialize within their own communities. A devoted proponent of the Servant Leadership movement, Jack incorporated this philosophy into every facet of his service activities, believing that true authority comes from empowering those who one serves. His impact grew on the state and national levels: • Indiana State Department of Mental Health (1979–1989): As the first Assistant Commissioner for Developmental Disabilities, he oversaw services for over 10,000 clients, establishing a regional case management system that connected families to vital resources. • Philadelphia Leadership (1989–1997): Moving to Pennsylvania, Jack served as Director of Mental Retardation Programs and Developmental Disabilities for the Philadelphia area and later as Program Administrator for Marian Homes. Here, he achieved one of his most enduring accomplishments: founding the Pennsylvania Self Determination Housing Project. This pioneering initiative was the first in the state to successfully assist disabled persons in becoming homeowners, shifting the paradigm from dependency to asset ownership and true independence. A Life of Service and Vitality Jack and his beloved wife, Pat, were integral members of the organizing committee for Habitat for Humanity in Indianapolis, where they occasionally interfaced directly with President Jimmy Carter on behalf of the organization. In his later years, Jack returned to his pastoral roots in Indiana, serving as Interim Senior Minister at South Side Christian Church in Kokomo until his retirement in 1999. Even in retirement, service remained his way of life. When not serving others, Jack embraced life with vigor. His hobbies included golfing, sailing, photography, and traveling. A proud Purdue alumnus, he especially loved football, cheering on the Boilermakers with unwavering enthusiasm. Late in life, demonstrating his adaptability and zest for activity, he took up competitive table tennis at his retirement community recreation center. Family Legacy Jack’s greatest pride was his family, a vibrant lineage of love that spans four generations. He is survived by his five children: Cindy Collins George (Craig), Lisa Hanger (Larry), Blaine S. Collins (Flora), Jeff Townsend (Theresa), and Steve Townsend. His spirit lives on through six grandchildren: Lalaine Vines (Josh), Eric George (Christina), Blaine M. Collins, Josh Zay (Gina), Dave George (Amy), and Nick Zay (Liz) as well as numerous great-grandchildren, a niece and two nephews, who will inherit his stories of faith and service. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Patsy “Pat” Collins; his first wife, Geraldine “Gerri” Collins; his parents, Stanley and Irene Collins; and his sister, Jean Teglo. Though they have gone before him, their love remains the foundation upon which his legacy stands. He leaves behind a world changed by his vision—a world where people with disabilities are seen not as patients to be managed, but as neighbors capable of owning homes, leading lives of purpose, and dreaming their own dreams. Services Visitation will be 10:00 am Friday, July 17, 2026, with the service following at 11:00 am at Zionsville Christian Church, 120 N. 9th Street, Zionsville. The service will be livestreamed. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Jack & Patsy Collins Charitable Fund with the Christian Church Foundation, P.O. 1986, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1986. ATTN: Jack and Patsy Collins Charitable Fund (800-668-8016). This fund helps support Bethany College’s Timothy Fund, Week of Compassion, and Disciples Home Missions of the Christian Church.

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Rev. Jack Stanley Collins

July 14, 1934 - July 11, 2026