Michael Collins was born April 7th, 1954 at Conley Maternity Hospital in Kansas City, Mo. to Delbert E. Collins and Viola L. Blackwell Collins. Michael grew up on the West Side of downtown Kansas City, while spending many summers in Westplains, Mo. and Pomona, Mo. He graduated from West High School in 1972 and proceeded to work in the Automotive industry for over 31 years, retiring from True Auto Parts and Paint in Merriam, Kansas.
Michael grew up in a musical family. He joined his Father and Uncles in the Collins Brothers bluegrass band when he was a teen, singing and playing the mandolin. That start eventually led to the formation of the Drifters, a 5 member Kansas City area local Bluegrass Band. The Drifters received many prestigious awards throughout their 37 year history, including 2nd place at the SPBGMA international bluegrass band championship in 1985, and 1st place in 1986.
In addition to singing and playing, Michael was also talented in creating original music. He currently has 10 songs published with BMI publishing, 6 of those songs being recorded by multiple artists. In 2012, 2013 and 2014 he received The Songwriter of the Year award from SPBGMA Midwest. He was also a past President and Board Member of the Kansas City Area Bluegrass Music Club.
Apart from music, he enjoyed his dog Jethro, fishing, turkey hunting, and deer hunting. He also enjoyed cooking, and in his younger years, he enjoyed being a part of various pit-crews for local stock car drivers.
After a long battle with his health, Michael passed away on February 13th, 2021 at Centerpoint Hospital in Independence, Mo. His ashes will be spread at Twin Bridges, in Westplains, Mo.
Michael was preceded in death by his father Delbert and brothers Patrick and Richard. He leaves his daughter Bridget with her husband Alfredo, grandsons Emmanuel, Jacob, and Samuel. His mother Vi, brother Robert, sister-in-law Beckie, and a host of Aunts and Cousins.
Micheal was a quick-witted, hard-working, passion-driven person and his presence will be missed in the lives of many. Celebration of life will be at a later date.
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