Following his courageous battle with extended health issues, Fred “Skip” Collins, age 75, was surrounded by his loving wife and daughters when he went to be with the Lord on Wednesday evening, June 11, 2014, at Kindred Hospital in Mansfield.
On April 26, 1939, Skip was born to the late Fred B. and Annabelle (Baughman) Collins. He graduated from Marion Harding High School in the Class of 1957.
Shortly after graduation, Skip married the love of his life, Sharon Martin, on September 2, 1961, at the Mount Gilead Baptist Church. They cherished 52 years together and lovingly raised two daughters, Julie and Jenny.
After working for a few years for the Erie Lakawana Railroad and GTE, Skip found his true calling as a realtor. In 1962, Skip obtained his real estate license with Lowell Douse Realty and later earned his brokerage license with Dick Granger Realty, after which he opened his own real estate business, “Fred Collins Realty.” From there, he expanded his business by becoming a real estate appraiser. For over 20 years, Skip did appraisals for many banks, and also managed many of his own rental properties. He also was a member and past president of the Marion Board of Realtors.
As a lifelong resident of Marion, Skip gave back to the community in many ways. He was a member of the Marion Masonic Lodge F. & A.M. #70, Marion Shrine Club, Aladdin Temple Shrine, and the Valley of the Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus. A staunch Republican, he was a member of the Marion County Republican Party and formerly of the Young Republicans. He also served on the Grand Prairie Cemetery Board for many years.
Having an unwavering love for the Lord, Skip was a faithful member of the Grand Prairie Baptist Church for over 52 years. In the past, he served there as a trustee and deacon.
As an avid fisherman, Skip loved to go out and cast a line as often as possible. He loved fishing at “Thelma’s Pond”, Lake Erie, and taking trips to Canada with many of his closest friends. He also always looked forward to the daily lunch gatherings with the “Lunch Bunch.”
Most important to Skip was his family. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren, never missing anything in which they were involved. Traveling to Florida and to the beach in North Carolina was something that the family often did together.
Skip was definitely one of a kind! He was very loyal and compassionate, and it was always known where he stood on any subject. No matter what he did, he did it with passion!
He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Sharon Collins of Marion; two precious daughters and a son-in-law: Julie (Michael) Myers, and Jenny Hughes, both of Marion; three adored grandchildren: Mitchell Myers, and Anna and Abby Hughes; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including his parents, Skip was preceded in death by his brother, William “Bill” Collins; and his sister, Betty Ramsey.
His family will greet friends from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, June 16, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. A celebration of his life will then be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17 at 10:30 A.M. at Grand Prairie Baptist Church, 4893 Marion-Upper Sandusky with Rev. Gene Parker & Ed Holland officiating. Burial will follow in Grand Prairie Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Prairie Baptist Church, 4893 Marion-Upper Sandusky Rd., Marion, OH 43302.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Skip’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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