Harold Collins

Harold Dean Collins, age 80, of Kendallville, passed away June 29, 2025, at Kendallville Manor. Harold was born in Lackey, Kentucky, on February 26, 1945, to the late Bill and Melissa (Gibson) Collins. He married Nellie Sue Heltzel on July 16, 1966, in Wawaka, Indiana. Harold was employed for 34 years with Lane Foundry in Kendallville. He also dedicated 30 years of service to the Kendallville Volunteer Fire Department. Harold was very active in his community. In earlier days, as a second job, he worked the projector at The Strand Theater and The Hi-Vue Drive-In. He was a Cub Scout leader for many years. He was active in the Big Brother program, and he was the first in the district to earn "Big Brother of the Year" award. He was "Dino" the clown and participated in countless community parties and events. He organized the first kite flying day in Kendallville. Harold loved fishing, woodworking and craftmaking. He was deeply loved by his family and will be greatly missed. 

Survivors include:
Wife, Nellie Collins of Kendallville.
Son, Brian and Pam Collins of Montclair, Virginia. 
Son, Thomas Collins and his companion, Kathy Lawson both of Kendallville.
Son, Jonathon and Niki Collins of Kendallville.
Six grandchildren including: Kelly Collins of Montclair, Virginia; Christopher Collins of Montclair, Virginia; Taylor Collins of Kendallville; Max Collins of Kendallville; Madison Collins of Kendallville; and Grayson Collins of Kendallville. One great grandson, Levi Collins of Heidelburg, Germany.

Harold is preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings including Maxine Castle, Grace Crego, James Collins, Ernest Collins, Ralph Collins, Lou Fitch, Goldie Craft, Raymond Collins, and two infants deceased. 

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville with the Kendallville Fire Department ceremony at 7:45 PM. 
Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 12:00 noon at Hite Funeral Home with visitation at 11:00 AM prior to the service. 
Pastor Robert Boston and Pastor Regan Ford will officiate the service. 
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital in Harold's memory. 

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