Gary D Collins

Cairo, Ohio

Gary D. Collins, 80, went home to be with the Lord to sing and play his bass on Wednesday September 1, 2021.  He was born April 30, 1941, in Kenton, Ohio to Jasper and E. Fay (Steele) Collins.  They both preceded him in death.

On August 17, 1984, he married the love of his life, Nona Wood, who survives in Cairo.

Gary is survived by one daughter, Michele Stone of Bellefontaine; five sons, Todd Collins of Venice, Fl., Steve Collins of Elida, Gordon (Carin Weiskittle) Doyle of Cincinnati, Jeffrey (Michelle) Karcher and Jerry (Jill Bancroft) Karcher both of Portsmouth NH; 26 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and two sisters in-law, Sandy and Connie Collins.

He was preceded in death by his son, Gary D. Collins, Jr.; one sister, Sharon Collins and four brothers, Robert, Larry, Curnie and Gerald Collins.

Gary was a graduate of McGuffey High School, class of 1959.  He was a member of the Full Gospel Tabernacle, where he played and sang with the Worship Team.

He worked in the onion fields as a young kid in the “muck”, also helping his dad with the farming in Alger. 

Gary started playing his guitar and bass at a young age.  He had his own band, GC and the VanDels.  They played Country and Country Rock.  For the last 21 years, he and Buddy played for the Lord in the 2nd Chance Band, playing and singing Southern Gospel music.  They enjoyed playing at nursing homes and many churches….He loved picking on some of the ladies at the homes…they just loved him, what a blessing for all….

He retired from Accubuilt, and worked at Superior Coach and Sheller Globe for a total of 41 years.  After retiring he and his wife traveled to Italy, Greece, Hawaii and Florida to name just a few places they enjoyed

Gary did some woodworking and “tinkering” in his garage.  He loved to watch western shows, Wyatt Earp, Wells Fargo and Gun Smoke.  Gary and Nona would cruise Cairo in the golf cart with the grandkids.  He was a loving husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa, who enjoyed teasing and playing with them.

Services will begin at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove.  Pastor Ed Jarrell will officiate with burial to follow in Cairo Eastside Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2:00 -8:00 pm, Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at Hartman Sons Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Full Gospel Tabernacle Church, 1520 Steward Road, Lima, Ohio 45801.

Please take a moment and remember Gary, go online to hartmansonsfuneralhome.com, share a memory and/or your condolences.

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