Edward Earl “Ed” Collins, 74, of Girard, died Monday, December 12, 2022 following a sudden illness. Born July 8, 1948, in Pittsburg, Ed was the son of Lonnie Ed and Mary Bell (Shoemaker) Collins. They preceded him in death. Ed was also preceded in death by a daughter Annette Jo Taylor; son-in-law, Edward Taylor; brothers, Mickey and Gary Lee Collins.
Ed attended area schools and graduated from Girard High School. He entered the United States Air Force December 21, 1967 and was honorably discharged December 8, 1971 with the rank of Sergeant.
Ed and Olive “Kitten” Short were united in marriage July 4, 1971 at Girard. She survived him of the home.
Ed was a farm hand working for several area farmers. He also worked at Pittsburg State University as a custodian for many years. He was a member of the Open Door Fellowship church and the American Legion Post #64.
In addition to his wife, Ed is survived by a son Eddie (Danell) Collins of Kansas City; a niece Shantelle Ethan) Wolfe of Marshfield, Mo., along with three grandchildren Noelle, Elise and Noah Collins.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday December 21 at the Open Door Fellowship Church. Don Talent will officiate. Burial will follow in the Girard City Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the church from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday evening. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Memorials may be made to the Open Door Fellowship Church; these may be left at or mailed to the funeral home. Services by Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, Pittsburg.