Nelda Lambert Barton-Collings

Nelda Lambert Barton-Collings

Nelda Lambert 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.

Barton-Collings has been a successful businesswoman in banking, nursing homes, newspapers and other small business ventures in partnership with Terry Forcht.  Civicly, she was the first woman to serve as Chair person 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 RNConvention 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.  

Nelda Barton-Collings has received many honors over the years, too numerous to list.  These are several that she cherished most:

Kentucky Women Remembered Award by KY Commission on Women (portrait in Capitol) Moral Leadership Award, University of the Cumberlands; Honorary Co-Chair Kids Voting Kentucky; Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities Ira O. Wallace Award; Nelda Barton-Collings Community Service Award by KAHCF; Outstanding Layperson by the KY Medical Association; KY Mansion Preservation Foundation Lifetime Member; UK Medical School Honoree of the Year; Jefferson County Kentucky Office Women Hall of Fame; Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree University of Cumberlands; KY Woman Achievement Award KY Business and Professional Women; Honorary Mother of KY Award by KY Mothers Association; Nelda Barton Day proclaimed by the Mayor of Corbin; The Dwight D Eisenhower Award; KY State Senate Certificate for Outstanding Women in Business and Leadership; KY State Senate Distinguished Recognition Award; Tribute to Nelda Barton-Collings Republican Party of KY and 5th District Lincoln Club.

Mrs. 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.  Services are at Grace on the Hill United Methodist Church at 11 am, Wednesday, June 18th.  In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of the Bluegrass would be appreciated.

Condolences can be made to her online registry at www.oneilfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the O’Neil - Lawson Funeral Home. paid