Obituary: Lyle Collins, 78, of Ludington

Lyle Collins

Obituary: Lyle Collins, 78, of Ludington

Lyle L. Collins of Ludington passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on Monday, November 25, 2019, at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital following an exhausting battle with cancer. He was born in July 16, 1941 in Hamlin Township, the son Clarence A. and Dorothy L. (Lange) Collins. His family moved to Pere Marquette Township where he and his siblings were raised on the family farm, which was once where the clubhouse at Lakeside Links now stands. Lyle attended Marchido and Sutton schools and graduated from Ludington High School in 1959. 

During his life Lyle worked at Stokely’s Canning Factory in Scottville and at Peterson’s Furniture; he then worked for several years at the Carrom Company making hospital furniture. He also worked for Rengo Oil Company delivering fuel oil and managing their Total gas station and auto repair facility. In the early 1980s he fulfilled a lifelong dream of opening his own auto repair facility, James Tire and Service, which he owned until his retirement. One of the most important roles in Lyle’s life, other than being a father, was his 30-plus year career on the Pere Marquette Fire Department, the majority of those years spent as Chief; he also spent several years as Mason County Fire Chief.

In his younger years, Lyle could be found either on the pitcher’s mound at the softball field or hunting and fishing with his father, grandfather, brothers, son, and lifelong friend Dale. Walleye was his fish of choice and from the early 1960s until this past summer, he could be found fishing for them in Intermediate Lake in the village of Central Lake, where he also managed Thurston Park Campground for many years. In the winter, Lyle could be found in the wood shop in his garage, where he made many beautiful pieces for family and friends. Lyle enjoyed traveling and the past few years he and his daughter, Loree, shared some memorable trips to Mississippi.

Lyle was predeceased by his father, Clarence A. Collins; an infant brother, Clarence Jr.; his brother Vernon J. Collins; brother-in-law Timothy Jennings; sister-in-law Diann Collins; his former wife, Lorna L. Collins; his childhood and lifelong friend Dale L. King and his daughter Terri (King) Chandler, both of Batesville, Miss. He is survived by his daughter Loree L. (Chris) Schneider of Ludington; his son, Mark A. Collins of Scottville; his granddaughter Caitlin E. Schneider of Columbia, Mo.; his grandsons Dr. Kyle C. (Dr. Ditte Primdahl) Collins of Madison, Wis.; Andrew T. (Krissy) Collins of St. Joseph; as well as his great-granddaughter, Kiya, also of St. Joseph; his sister Linda L. Jennings of Grant; his brothers William H. Collins and Richard L. (Vicky) Collins both of Ludington; his mother, Dorothy L. (Lange) Collins; numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by special lifelong friends Ruth King, Cindy (Tony) Jones, Daniel Chandler, and their families, all of Batesville, Miss. Lyle was extremely proud of his three grandchildren and the mention of them or their accomplishments brought a smile to his face and a twinkle to his blue eyes.

The family would like to offer special thanks to doctors Carol Peterson and Zane Knoer at Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital Cancer Center and Spectrum Health Ludington Hospital Internal Medicine and their teams, as well as to Dr. Matthew Spector at the University of Michigan Otolaryngology and his team for the many months of compassionate care provided to our father. 

At the family’s request, there will be no visitation or services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Spectrum Health Ludington Cancer Patient Assistant Fund.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com