Corbin businesswoman, Republican Party mainstay Nelda Barton-Collings dies Friday

Nelda Barton-Collings

A well-known Corbin businesswoman and Republican Party mainstay died Friday at the age of 85.

Nelda Barton-Collings is being remembered as an important civic leader, and one of the most prominent and important Kentucky women to ever be involved in the GOP.

“Nelda was a truly passionate person who worked tirelessly for the betterment of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and for the Republican Party both in the Commonwealth and nationally," said Kentucky House Republican Floor Leader Jeff Hoover shortly after Barton-Collings’ death was made public Friday. "Her compassion and dedication to improving the lives of all Kentuckians through her public service is an example that more of us should strive to follow. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.”

Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers shared equal praise and admiration for Barton-Collings.

“I am saddened today to learn of the passing of Nelda Barton-Collings, a true stateswoman who, until the end, battled for the betterment of Kentucky. Nelda’s passion for public service and her determination to improve the Commonwealth will serve as her legacy. She was always gracious and kind. There simply will never be another like her.”

According to her official obituary, Barton-Collings was born May 12, 1929 in Providence, KY. She graduated Valedictorian from Providence High School, attended Western Kentucky University, and was a graduate of Norton Memorial Infirmary School of Medical Technology. She married Harold Bryan Barton, MD (deceased) in May 1951 and had 5 children (1 deceased). Most of her adult life was spent in Corbin, KY. She later married Jack Clayton Collings, MD (deceased) of Owensboro, KY.

She was a successful businesswoman, involved in banking, nursing and other small business ventures with Terry Forcht – President and founder of Forcht Group of Kentucky. Barton-Collings was part owner of the News Journal newspaper for a time as well.

She was the first woman to serve as chairperson of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, past Vice President of SEKY Rehabilitation Industries, served on KY Council on Economic Education, KY Commission of Women, Partnership for KY School Reform, Charter Board Director for Leadership Kentucky, National Advisory Council for SBA, President Reagan’s Federal Council on Aging and Council for International Affairs, President Bush’s Council on Rural America, among many other activities.

Politically, Nelda retired after 28 years as Republican National Committeewoman for Kentucky, and held offices as RNC Secretary and Vice Chairman. She was a delegate to the Republican National Convention multiple times, a presidential elector and called to order the RNC Convention in ’96. Barton-Collings was the first woman to give a major address at the Republican National Convention in 1980. She has worked through the ranks from precinct chairman to national and international offices.

She received numerous awards and accolades over the years. A full obituary can be viewed at www.oneilfh.com.

Barton-Collings is survived by her four children, Barbara Barton of Denver, CO, H. Bryan Barton, Jr. and wife, Amanda, Steve Barton, Suzie and Greg Razmus all of Corbin, eleven grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Also, she is survived by her sisters, Nadine Bacon of Clarksville, IN, and Norma Gibbs of Henderson, KY, brother and sister-in-laws, Dr. Don and Joan Barton, Dr. Bruce and Arlene Barton of Corbin, Jennie Barton Wesche of Williamsburg, and 18 nieces and nephews mourn her passing.

Visitation is from 5-8 pm, Tuesday, June 17th at the O’Neil-Lawson Funeral Home in Corbin. Services are at Grace on the Hill United Methodist Church at 11 am, Wednesday, June 18th. She will be laid to rest at Whitley Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of the Bluegrass would be appreciated.