Harry Albert Collins

Harry was born November 14, 1938 in Lamar, MO to Harvey and Lillie (Sheat)

Collins. He was the oldest of six children. Harry met his wife, Norma Louise May, in Iola, KS. After they were married in March of 1959, they moved to Kansas City, MO where they were blessed with four children. Together they lived in Arkansas, Kentucky, and Iowa where they made many special friends and wonderful memories.

Harry worked for St. Regis Bag Company, Great Plains Bag Company, Continental Can, and Stone Container. His positions and responsibilities ranged from Scheduler, Customer Service Manager, Salesman, and Regional Sales Director. Harry retired as General Manager from Stone Container. He also worked at Central Publishing Company, founded by his parents, as a salesman and consultant.

Harry’s passions were for his family, golf, playing cards and board games, watching movies, and playing Free Cell. He loved participating in and watching sports, following his beloved Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. He loved spending time with family and friends. He was a long-time member of Des Moines Golf and Country Club and was a proud member of the GOBs. He was lovingly referred to as ‘Papa’ and was known for his generosity, love of the game, his leadership, and his loving and welcoming spirit.

Harry is survived by his children, Terry (Gloria) Collins, Amanda Switzer, Melissa (Greg) Wray and Rebecca (Ronald) Gray; six grandchildren Adam (Ashley) Collins, Ryan (Jenni) Collins, Alex Ulfe, Cassie (James) Brooks, Brett Collins, and Jonathon Gray; three great grandchildren, Braiden Seuferer, Daxton Brooks and Harrison Collins; siblings, Dean (Sandy) Collins, Gary (Barbara) Collins, Linda Bass and Roger (Billie) Collins. Harry was preceded in death by his wife Norma, infant daughter Christine, his parents Harvey and Lillie, brother Harvey Wayne, brother-in-law Leo Bass, and son-in-law Bill Switzer.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 from 4 – 7 p.m. Services will be the following day, Thursday, December 24, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. Both Services are at McLaren’s Funeral Chapel with an interment to follow on site at Resthaven Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The American Diabetes Association at P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or 1-800-342-2383.