On March 22, 1948, Hartley Collins, Sr. was born in Hayti, Missouri, to Ruby and Otis Collins. In 1951, Hartley's family relocated to Michigan. When he was 23 years old, he was drafted into the Vietnam War and ultimately completed 2 tours as Infantry in the Army.
When Hartley returned from his second tour, he met Pat Weir and so began their love story. Together, they built a beautiful life that most could only hope to achieve. They first welcomed Nicki, and almost three years later to the day, welcomed Hartley Jr. (Bub). With their two children born, they began getting to work on building the life of their dreams together. Hartley went to work at Weil Mclain located in Benton Harbor, where he later retired from.
In 1986, shortly after the passing of her brother-in-law, Pat suffered the loss of her sister as well. They left behind a 13 year old son that Pat and Hartley took in without hesitation. Todd quickly became another child to them, a fact that carried over into his adulthood and was true until the day Hartley passed.
In 1992, Hartley became known as Papa to his family and that might have been his favorite title he was ever given. There was nothing Hartley loved more than his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, but his love of God was just as fierce. In 2009, Hartley became a born again Christian. This was something he was so proud of and he loved to share his love for his Lord and Savior with anyone who would listen.
Hartley lived his life with God as his guide - doing onto others what he wanted to be done to him, being kind to everyone, giving the "shirt off his back" to anyone in need, and never meeting a stranger.
He loved spending his days with the love of his life, Pat. Whether it was at their home in Michigan, their home in Florida, or traveling the world. Hartley could usually be found in the yard working or tinkering around in the house. If he wasn't at home, he was usually found at Home Depot or out on one of his long walks.
He was a true family man that was happiest around his wife, children, grandchildren, and family in general. He always had a smile on his face, sage advice to give, or a joke to tell. To know him was truly to love him. Hartley is a presence whose absence will be felt forever.
On Saturday - May 11, 2024 Hartley walked into the arms of his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his family. He is proceeded in death by his parents - Ruby and Otis Collins; his mother and father in law - Elmer and Vernice Weir; his sisters - Aline, Norma, and Edith; His brothers - Jerry, Bob, Doc, Bill, and Mike; and his son in law - John Burfield.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years - Pat Collins; his children - Nicki Owen (Greg), Hartley Collins, Jr. (Teresa), and Todd Curtis (Yulan); his grandchildren - Alex Whitsel (Doug), Johnny Benavidez, John Daniel Burfield II, Mackenzie Burfield, Hailey Collins, Nolan Collins, Gavin Collins, Braydon Collins, and Beckham Collins; and his great-grandchildren - DJ Whitsel and Penny Jayne Whitsel.
We could only ask that you wrap your arms around his family in love and support as he would have it no other way. His family would also ask that you join them to celebrate the beautiful life of Hartley on Saturday - June 15th, 2024, from 2pm-6pm at 2180 Union Avenue Benton Harbor, MI 49022. In true honor of Hartley, who was known for his sweet tooth, his family will be providing an ice cream bar and sweets table for their guests. Please come prepared to share a sweet treat and a sweet story.
If you wish to make a donation to his family - donations can be sent to Pat Collins directly, thank you.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34207, is in charge of arrangements.
