Curtis Collins

Curtis E. Collins, 80, of East Liberty, Ohio, and formerly of Lakeview, Ohio, passed away Thursday, December 5, 2013, at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio.

He was born April 29, 1933, in Lakeview, Ohio to the late Gail E. and Ruth I. (Walters) Collins. On October 11, 1952, he married Millie L. Phillips in Lakeview, and she passed away January 25, 2010. Also preceding him in death were brothers Dean and Wayne Collins.

Surviving is his daughter, Cheryl (Jim) Nicholl of Bellefontaine, Ohio and his son, Mark (Diana) Collins of East Liberty; grandchildren, Kris (Chasity) Nicholl, Ryan (Laura) Collins, Katrina Nicholl, and Nikki Collins; great grandchildren, Austin, Shelby and Landon Nicholl and Breanne Williams.

A veteran of the Korean War, Curtis served in the United States Navy in the Seabees on Kwajalein Island as a mechanic. He later worked for Montgomery Wards Service Department in Bellefontaine and Lima, Ohio. He retired after more than twenty years from DAB in Bellefontaine.

Curtis was a member of the First Church of God in Bellefontaine, and served as a bus driver and a mechanic. He was also a Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 116 in Lakeview, leading many camping and canoe trips. Curtis had many hobbies over the years to include tropical fish, beekeeping, rabbits, raising steers, restoring antique tractors and repairing things for family and friends. One of his biggest joys was teaching his mechanical skills and life lessons to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed giving rides on his restored antique tractor to children of all ages.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, December 10, 2013, from 4 to 8 P.M. at the Smith-Eichholtz Funeral Home in Lakeview, where Pastors Ron Irick and Gary Brown will conduct the funeral service at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 11, 2013. Interment will follow the funeral service at the Walnut Hill Cemetery in Auglaize County, Ohio with a Military Service by the Logan County Veterans Honor Guard.

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