Howard “Kelly” Collins, 55, of Cowen, passed away Friday, April 10, 2020 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania after a long hard battle with heart disease. “Kelly was a fighter”. He was born June 29, 1964, in Richwood, a son of Jimmy (Linda) Collins of Gassaway and Helen (Mancel) Gregory of Craigsville.

Kelly worked in the coal mines for over 25 years until his health forced him to retire. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, feeding the animals and supporting his beloved Mountaineers. Kelly loved to socialize and make people smile, he carried the title of Mayor of Summit Lake, his favorite camping and fishing spot. He met and made many friends over the years at the lake. Kelly never meet a stranger, being a jack of all trades, helping family and friends in their time of need. But mostly he enjoyed his grandchildren.

He is survived by his parents, wife, Loretta Lawson Collins of Cowen, children, Greg (Tish) Collins of Fayetteville, Crystal (Mason) Weir of Huntington and Ryder (Summer) Collins of Craigsville, brothers Mike (Jackie) Collins of Bolair, Terry (Tina) Collins of Shinnston, sister, Karen (Keith) Baughman of Cowen, grandchildren, Taylor, Marley, Liam, Zoey and Cecilia. He will be missed by a large extended family and many friends.

Due to the current restrictions from COVID-19, a private family graveside service, with Rev. Linn Schiefer officiating, will be held Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at the Spencer Cemetery, Fenwick. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the funeral home to help with expenses.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.morrisfuneralhomecowenwv.com

Services are entrusted to the care of Morris Funeral Home.