Kevin L. Collins

COAL TOWNSHIP — Kevin L. Collins, 45, of 1529 W. Independence St., passed away unexpectedly at his home Tuesday afternoon, July 23, 2013.

He was born in Harrisburg, July 28, 1967, a son of Stephen Collins and Bonnie M. Cassel Grimwood.

He was a 1985 graduate of West Perry High School and attended Central Penn in Summerdale, where he was a member of the men's college basketball team.

Kevin married Lori A. Eccker, Oct. 16, 1993, in Shamokin.

Kevin's previously worked for the House of Representatives and as a salesman in the food industry where he was a member of Teamsters Union, Local 463. Since he retired, he enjoyed working at Knoebels.

Kevin was a member of Our Lady of Hope Church, Coal Township, where he and his family passionately helped with the OLOH, Hope Ministries Food Pantry and many other church functions. Whenever he had free time, he gave a helping hand to his parish.

He enjoyed an array of different activities, including spending time with his family, golfing with his friends, swimming and acting as a track official.

Kevin was highly involved in sports throughout his adulthood. He enjoyed watching, playing and coaching sports, not only for the love of the game, but as a way of giving of himself and inspiring young athletes to strive for greatness. In his quest to share that love, he has devoted his time to several organizations over the past few decades. He served as president of the CYO and coached various sports like Little League and CYO basketball.

Kevin also was the head coach for Lourdes girls volleyball, assistant coach for Lourdes girls varsity basketball and head coach for the Lourdes junior varsity. In 2010, he became the boys varsity basketball assistant coach for Susquenita High School. In 2011, Kevin began his Southern Columbia coaching career where he seemed to find his niche. He began as an assistant coach for the boys varsity basketball team and head coach for the junior varsity. He most recently held the position as head coach for the girls varsity basketball team.

Kevin and his dear friend, Jeff Deitz, had a conversation on the day he passed about an article on Phil Mickelson and his legacy. In response to the article, Kevin planned to ask his team what they wanted their legacy to be because that's the kind of coach he was — not only concerned with winning, but with how you will be remembered. Well, we know what Kevin's legacy is — it's one of genuine love, compassion and enthusiasm, not only for the sports, but for life.

As Jeff said, "Kevin will live on through his wife, children and friends. People will never forget his lessons, his humor, and his ability to make all those around feel comfortable."

Kevin left a long-lasting impression on all who ever met him. As written by Scott Dudinskie from The Daily Item, "Collin's impact ranged far beyond the court, as evidenced by the steady stream of reaction to the news of his death across social media platforms."

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Lori A. (Eccker) Collins; five children, Ashley, Sara, Jordan, Claudia and Brady; his mother, Bonnie M. Grimwood, of Elliottsburg; his father, Stephen Collins and his wife, Patricia, of Annville; five siblings, Steve Collins and his wife, Theresa, of Duncannon, Bonnie Lynn (Grimwood) Kretzing, of Elliottsburg, Stan Grimwood III and his wife, Jennifer, of Mechanicsburg, David Grimwood and his wife, Becky, of Denver, and Kimberly Hibely and her husband, David, of Worthington, and aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Stan Grimwood Jr.

///

COLLINS — Kevin L. Collins, 45, of 1529 W. Independence St., Coal Township. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of Hope Church, 863 W. Chestnut St., Coal Township, with the Rev. Adrian Gallagher as celebrant. There will be no viewing. Visitation will be from 8 to 9:45 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Out of respect for the Mass, the family requests that everyone is at the church and seated by 9:45 a.m. Committal services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to Our Lady of Hope in memory of the late Kevin Collins. Leonard J. Lucas Funeral Home, Shamokin, has charge of arrangements.