Harley Lee Collins

Harley Lee Collins, son of the late Isaac and Gladys (Robinson) Collins, was born on January 9, 1926 in Huggins, Missouri and departed this life on April 1, 2012 in the Kabul Nursing Home in Cabool, Missouri following a short illness. He was 86 years, 2 months and 23 days of age.

Harley grew up and attended school in the Huggins Community. He served his country in the United States Army from September 23, 1944 to November 25, 1945 as a gun crewman. He worked at times as a gunner and loader, helping the crew load and fire 105 mm howitzers. He served five months in the ETO.

He was united in marriage to Amy Hicks on March 1, 1948 in Houston, Missouri. Three children were born to this union. They raised their family in Texas, Wright, and Douglas Counties.

Harley later married Leta May McBride on July 22, 1987 in Miami, Oklahoma. They enjoyed fishing and going to Bluegrass Music festivals. She passed away on April 4, 2006.

Harley enjoyed being outdoors, especially when hunting and fishing. He really enjoyed catching catfish at the pay lakes near Grovespring, Missouri north of Hartville and showing off his catch to those around him. He also liked to tell stories, play Bluegrass gospel music and go to the Mtn. Grove Senior Center or the Sunnyside Café for lunch or just to visit with his many friends.

He loved his family and looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren whenever possible. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan.

He is survived by his children’s mother: Amy Collins of Mtn. Grove; his companion: Lena Williams of Mtn. Grove; one son: Wesley Collins and his wife, Debbie; two daughters: Kim Whanger and Sheila Collins, all of Mtn. Grove; seven grandchildren: Eric Whanger, Holly Whanger, Louisa Collins, Christopher Collins, Nathan LaRue, Latham Collins and Laci Collins; three great-grandchildren: Macy Loveless, Aiden Collins and Chance LaRue; and a host of other relatives and friends who will truly miss him.