Obituary of Harold Eugene Collins

Harold Eugene Collins, 80, of Venice, Florida, died peacefully February 19, 2023, after a brief illness. He was born July 9, 1942, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Eugene and Maurine Collins. 

Harold met his sweetheart, Penny, at Baker University in Baldwin City, KS, where they both graduated. Harold spent his career in sales and marketing and lived in Kansas City; Springfield, MO; Salt Lake City, UT; and St. Louis, MO. 

His greatest joys came from spending time with his family taking walks, making pancakes, going fishing, playing golf, and looking at family photos. He was a devoted church member who was proud of his childhood Perfect Attendance Award, his volunteer work, and his time singing in numerous church choirs. Whether it was a trip to Disney World or to the beach, Harold always had extra bottles of water labeled with everyone’s initials in black Sharpie. He loved lining up early for Publix grand openings and dining on Penny’s lemon squares. Married for nearly 60 years, Harold never left the house without first giving Penny a kiss goodbye. He was a loving husband, father, and “Boompa,” and his family will miss him forever. 

He is survived by his wife, Penny, his children, Katie (Bill) Meyers, and Chris (Joy) Collins, and five grandchildren: Cloey, Victoria, Maddie, Jacob, and Wendy. He is survived by his two sisters Dorothy Housh and Carolyn May, brothers-in-law Louis Jarodsky and Don Denison, and sister-in-law Debbie (Ted) Roome. He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Maurine Collins, his brothers-in-law Forrest May and Tom Housh and his sister-in-law Jody Denison. 

To remember him, eat a bowl of ice cream, listen to a church choir, or visit a Publix grocery store. A celebration of life will be held at 2 PM on June 3 at Christ Venice Church at 1475 Center Rd, Venice, FL 34292. In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Harold Collins to Christ Venice Church Choir at 1475 Center Rd, Venice, FL 34292 or online at https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z3MX/campaign/C-122BB.