Harley Lee Collins, 86

Harley Lee Collins, son of the late Isaac and Gladys (Robinson) Collins, was born on Jan. 9, 1926 in Huggins, Mo., and departed this life on April 1, 2012 in the Kabul Nursing Home in Cabool, Mo., 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 Sept. 23, 1944 to Nov. 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, Mo.  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, Okla.  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, Mo., 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 Cardinals 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.
Online Condolences: www.craig hurttfuneralhome.com.
Funeral services for Harley Collins were held on Thursday, April 5, 2 p.m., in the Craig-Hurtt Chapel with Junior Vaughn officiating.  Song selections were “God’s Garden,” “Wildwood Flower,” and “Long Black Train.”  Music was provided by the Wright County Bluegrass group.
Pallbearers were Larry Collins, Marvin Hicks, Eric Whanger, Christopher Collins, Latham Collins and Nathan LaRue.  Honorary pallbearers were John Robinson and Charlie Whanger. Full military honors were provided by the Lima Team and the American Legion Post 30 with Jared Moore serving as bugler.  Burial was in the Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mtn. Grove, Mo.