Herbert Leon Collins, a longtime resident of Fayetteville, departed this world to join his Lord and Savior on May 23, 2019. “Herb” was born June 19, 1928 at Sutton, Braxton County, West Virginia to James R. and Mae Collins.
He had a passion for education and was a 1946 graduate of Nicholas County High School and a 1955 graduate of Glenville State College.
Between his high school and college careers, Herb volunteered for service in the United States Army reaching the rank of Sergeant First Class. As a member of the 24th Infantry Division, Company B, 3rd Engineers he was involved in the Battle of Taejon and the later defense of the Pusan Perimeter, being awarded the Bronze Star for Valor in combat. He subsequently received a certificate of appreciation on the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War from the President of the Republic of Korea.
He worked as an educator in Nicholas, Braxton, and Fayette counties and retired with more than 37 years of service.
He was a faithful member of the Fayetteville Baptist Church since 1959 and had previously been ordained as a deacon.
He will be remembered best by his family and friends for his quiet intelligence, hard work, extreme self-discipline, self-effacing humor, and sincere humility.
He will also be long remembered by his family for his deep devotion to them and to his God.
He is survived by his sister Kay Talbert, his lifelong love and wife of 67 years, June Harris Collins, his sons Mark, Eric, and Jerome, along with his grandchildren Caitlin Collins, Alana Collins, Gabrielle Mendoza, Abigail Collins, Jackson Collins, Jason Collins and one great-grandson Mason Mendoza.
Visitation will be held at the Fayetteville Baptist Church beginning at noon on May 28, 2019 with the service starting at 1:00pm and internment to be conducted at Huse Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the Collins Family would ask that donations be given to the Hospice House of Southern West Virginia, Beckley, where Herb received such kind and loving care during his final days on earth.
For those wishing to express condolences to the Collins family, you may do so by visiting our website at www.doddpaynehessfuneralhome.com.
Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home will be assisting the Collins family.
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