Fred Collett

Name: Visitation
Start: 03/29/2024 06:00 PM
End: 03/29/2024 09:00 PM
Location: Wolfe and Sons Funeral Home

May 3, 1929 — March 24, 2024

Roark, Kentucky

Fred Collett was born on May 3, 1929, in Leslie County, Kentucky, to the union of the late Charlie and Laura Napier Collett. Fred was welcomed into his Heavenly home on Sunday, March 24, 2024. Fred had been a lifelong resident of Leslie County. He married the love of his life, Pauline Collett, on April 26, 1948. By occupation, Fred was a logger and owner of Collett & Smith Logging, Inc.

Fred served as Chairman of the Leslie County Board of Education from 1976 to 1993. Fred also served as State Highway Foreman for the Kentucky Department of Transportation under Governor Louie B. Nunn's administration. Fred was Commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel by Gov. Louie B. Nunn and Gov. Ernie Fletcher.

Fred was a proud member of Bowens Creek Baptist Church of Essie, Kentucky. He was the Patriarch of his family and was affectionately known as "Big Dad." Fred devoted his life to caring for and providing for his family. He always put the needs of others before himself and was always the first to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Fred was a devoted and beloved husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother, and friend. Fred loved people, especially his family. He enjoyed attending church, listening to bluegrass music, squirrel hunting, being involved in politics, and playing the guitar and banjo. Fred Collett was 94 years old.

In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife, Pauline Collett; three brothers, Vernon, Carl, and Wiley Collett, and five sisters, Della Napier, Nell Collett, Fern Hall, Virgie Collett and Molly Roark, all of Roark, Kentucky.

Fred leaves behind the following relatives: his beloved daughter Janice Collett Smith and husband Kenneth of Roark, Kentucky; two brothers, Earnest Collett of Roark, KY Bobby Collett and wife Linda of Springboro, Ohio; two sisters, Emily Collett and husband Marcus of Roark, Kentucky; and Donna Collett and husband Donnie of Roark, Kentucky.

One cherished grandchild, Kenny F. Smith, and wife, Kim, of Roark, Kentucky. Three treasured great-grandchildren, Colin, Matthew, and Reagan Smith (Big Daddy's Girl) of Roark, Kentucky. His only surviving uncle Tommy Collett of Richmond, KY and only surviving aunt Wanda Sue Simpson of Covington, KY. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, close friends, and church family, also survive his passing.

The funeral services for Fred Collett will be held at 1p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home with Taylor Adams, James Bowling, Jr., Carl Brown and Roger Wolfe officiating.

Interment will follow in the Collett Cemetery at Essie, KY where he will be laid to rest beside of his wife, Pauline.

The family will receive friends and family for visitation from 6p.m. - 9p.m. Friday evening at the chapel.

PALLBEARERS: Kenny F. Smith, David Collett, Eddie Collett, Wiley Collett, Jr., Dean Collett, Johnny Bryon Roark, and Jamie Collett

HONORARY PALLBEARERS: Kenneth H. Smith, Colin Smith, Matthew Smith, Charlie Collins, Buck Collins, Vernon Collett Jr., Donnie Wayne Barrett, Robbie Collett, Uncle Tommy Collett, Big Dave Collett, Chester Barrett Jr., and Mickey Ray Howard.

** While flowers are welcome, expressions of sympathy may take place in form of donations to:
Bluegrass Care Navigators (Greg & Noreen Wells Hospice Care Center)
57 Dennis Sandlin, M.D. Cove
Hazard, KY 41701

Arrangements are being handled carefully under the direction of Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Fred Collett, please visit our flower store.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, March 29, 2024

6:00 - 9:00 pm (Eastern time)

Wolfe and Sons Funeral Home

23185 Highway 421, Hyden, KY 41749

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Funeral Service

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Starts at 1:00 pm (Eastern time)