Edward Earl “Ed” Collins, died Monday, Dec. 12, 2022 following a sudden illness.
He was born July 8, 1948 in Pittsburg, Kansas, the son of Lonnie Ed and Mary Bell (Shoemaker) Collins.
He attended area schools and graduated from Girard High School.
Ed entered the U.S. Air Force on Dec. 21, 1967 and was honorably discharged on Dec. 8, 1971 with the rank of Sergeant.
On July 4, 1971 he was united in marriage to Olive “Kitten” Short in Girard; she survived him of the home.
Ed was a farm hand working for several area farmers; he also worked at Pittsburg State University as a custodian for many years.
He was a member of the Open Door Fellowship church and the American Legion Post #64.
Additional survivors include a son Eddie (Danell) Collins of Kansas City, Kansas; a niece Shantelle (Ethan) Wolfe of Marshfield, Missouri, along with three grandchildren, Noelle, Elise and Noah Collins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Annette Jo Taylor, son-in-law Edward Taylor and two brothers: Mickey and Gary Lee Collins.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday Dec. 21, 2022 at the Open Door Fellowship Church with Don Talent officiating. Burial will follow in the Girard City Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the church from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com.
