Clark Howard Collins

Clark Collins of Haslett, Michigan, went home to our Lord on May 30, 2025.

He was born in Lansing, Michigan, on December 6, 1948, to Bette and Theron Collins.

As a child, he moved around the U.S. with his parents. He graduated from high school at Wisconsin Academy in Madison, Wisconsin. Clark studied electronics at Lansing Community College. He later worked for the State of Michigan with various computer-related systems until 2019.

Clark joined the U.S. ARMY and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He repeatedly traveled as a courier between the north and the south of Vietnam as part of Armed Forces Courier Service (ARFCOSTA) in 1971.

Clark met his future wife, Karen (née Haslam), in 1972 following his discharge from the ARMY. He lived across the hall from her, so she was the girl next door. First dates involved taking her to his Gram's farm to weed the massive garden. The two were married on November 17, 1974.

The family grew, and with two sons, Nathan Benjamin and Andrew Peter, Clark had the fun of sledding, camping, and soccer games with them. He was a dedicated dad, enjoying his sons' activities and doing whatever it took to see them thrive. Clark's joy was multiplied by the addition of three grandchildren: Jacklyn, Marcus, and Jameson. They enjoyed cuddling, Wubble Days, gingerbread houses, and Lego competitions. Clark treasured them all. His favorite role was that of being a dad and grandpa.

Clark was a faithful member of Memorial Lutheran Church and School for 40 years. He served the church and school in various ways throughout that time, including helping to build a wooden climbing playground at the school. He loved chatting with his church friends.

He enjoyed collecting postage stamps throughout his life. Some of the stamps were from other countries and the beginning of United States postage. He enjoyed relaxing while fishing and bird watching.

Many friends blessed his life. These included high school friends who remained in touch throughout his entire life. Clark also had friendships that began decades ago that added joy and support.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter-in-law Kate (Andrew) Collins, and infant grandson, Oliver Peter Collins. Clark is survived by his wife Karen Collins, sons Nathan (Becky) Collins and Andrew Collins, and his three grandchildren. His three sisters are: Christine (Gary) Bayne of Pine Grove, Pennsylvania; Teresa Collins of Keene, Texas; and Martha (Brad) Fornal of Keene, Texas. Clark is also survived by many nieces and nephews whose pictures were lined up on his dresser so that he could see them every day. He considered Karen's family as his own throughout their over 50 years of marriage. They include Karen's brother, Alan (Lynne) Haslam, and sister Kay (Scott) Anderson.

Clark's memorial service will be held Sunday, June 22, at Memorial Lutheran Church located at 1022 West Grand River Avenue, Williamston, Michigan 48895. Beginning at 1 PM, there will be time for family and friends to gather in the entrance lobby of the church. There will be a break at about 1:45 PM, and the service will be held at 2 PM. A meal will be served immediately following the service in the lower-level Fellowship Hall at the church. While in the Fellowship Hall, people will be invited to share a memory of Clark and share how his life story connected with theirs.

Instead of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation in his name to either:

*Memorial Lutheran Church and School (envelopes available in the entryway) or

*Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) at lbda.org

Our church is locked, so we will have one appointment for flower delivery. If you would like to order flowers, please call Williamston Greenhouse and Florist directly at 517-655-5614. There will be no casket or urn, so flowers in vases or arrangements for medium-sized tables would be best. The florist will need to have the order by 2 pm on Friday, June 20th, so it can be delivered at the appointed time on Saturday to be ready for the service on Sunday.