Ted Collins Obituary

Ted Collins, 74, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Uncle Ted was cherished by his nephew, Stephen Smith (Danetta); nieces, Paula Caudle Collins and Amy Hilpp (Kenny); and four great nieces, Emma Marie Hilpp, Grace Taylor Hilpp, Paulina Parvin Smith, and Bailey Malika Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Taylor Thurston Collins and Pauline Housechild Collins, and by his sisters, Eleanor "Weeze" Collins, Elizabeth "Sissy" Smith (Tommy), and Susan Caudle (Billy).
A devoted man to his fiancé, Bonnie Howard, and her children, Rebecca Sisco (Ed), Tammy Goins (Corey), Stephanie McGuire (Joey); and eight grandchildren, Amber McGuire Darnell (Tristan), Christopher Thomas (Sarahi), Josh Goins (Hope), Nicholas Flora, Joseph Caudle, Juliana Caudle, Elaina Caudle, Elizer Caudle; five great grandchildren Aaliyah Thomas, Sophia Thomas, Isaiah Thomas, Elijah Thomas (Cash), and Teddy Goins. He was preceded in death by two grandsons, Jonathan Thomas and Clay Goins Jr.
Born and raised in Frankfort, KY, he was a lifelong member of Hillcrest Baptist Church and devoted to Frankfort First Church of the Nazarene. Ted was dedicated to a life of service, a role he fulfilled with great strength, humility and love, as the Franklin County Sheriff for 27 years and Franklin County Judge-Executive for 8 years. Through his life he was involved in over 18 government/county committees including Chairman of the Franklin County Democratic Executive Committee, past President of Capital City Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police, member of the Frankfort Rotary Cub, and member of Kentucky River Authority.
A man of tradition, he took up the duty of hosting an ongoing July 4th picnic and celebration that has endured for over 70 years. His family homestead was the gathering spot where everyone circled and told stories for hours. In the few days leading to his death, Ted's family saw the true impact he had on the lives of so many people, when everyone gathered at the hospital to support and say goodbye, to be there for the person who was always there for them. What he taught us in life he taught us in death: one person can make a difference in countless lives.
Services will be held at Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Tom Troth and Rev. Mark Routt officiating. Burial will follow at Frankfort Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025, and from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Friday.
Serving as pallbearers will be Stephen Smith, Shane Terrell, Chris Quire, Joe Banta, Ed Sisco, Bruce Daniels, Mel Trivette, and Mike Collins. Honorary pall bearers will be the active and retired members of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Frankfort Police Department, Boone County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshals Service (Frankfort).
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Baptist Health Foundation, Lexington, KY, Hillcrest Baptist Church and Frankfort First Church of the Nazarene.
Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory.