Obituary of Paul Franklin Collins

Paul Franklin Collins, 92, of Delmar, DE, passed away on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at home surrounded by family and friends. Born August 13, 1918 in Delmar, DE, he was the son of the late William K. (Will) Collins and Mary Francis (Fannie) Jackson Collins. Paul was educated in the Delmar, Delaware public schools, earning varsity letters in basketball, and graduated in 1936. He continued his education in Goldey College in Wilmington, from which he was a member of the Phi Theta Pi International Commerce Fraternity. He graduated in the class of 1939. Upon graduation, he went to work with Hercules Powder Company in Wilmington. In October 1940 he was transferred to Belvidere, New Jersey where Hercules was building a smokeless powder plant for the British government. He was the shipping clerk at the plant when he entered the U.S. Coast Guard in August 1942. He served his country until January 1946. During this period he was on the pre-commissioning detail of the ship USCGC Sebago and thereby became a "plank owner" of that ship. These ships were built to be used to invade Japan, which never came off due to Japan's surrender. The plank owner distinction was historical since it dated back to the times when ships were constructed of wood. July 7, 1943 he married Irene Hazlett in Belvidere NJ. They celebrated over 51 years of married life before her passing. After returning from the service he joined his father-in-law in the operation of Hazletts' Hatchery, a combination of chicken hatchery and farm store, becoming manager of the business. Along with his wife, they purchased the business and operated it as a family business for 38 years. Paul's interests revolved around his family, church and community. He served the United Methodist Church in Belvidere for over fifty years in many capacities. Notably at one time he was a Lay Leader, President of the Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Finance Committee, Pastor Parish Committee and for many years was the Financial Secretary of the church. In the community he was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Committee leader for many years and was a member of the American Legion Post #131, Charter member of the Belvidere Ambulance Corps, served on the Belvidere Board of Education and on the town Shade Tree Commission. He helped to form the Meals On Wheels program in Belvidere and along with his wife volunteered with the program until her passing. He was presented with the Rotary Club "Service Above Self" award in 1972 and the Lion�,�(TM)s Club "Community Service Award" in 1986. After his wife passed away Mr. Collins moved back to the Eastern Shore in 1997 to be closer to his family. He was a member of St. Stephens United Methodist Church in Delmar, DE where he volunteered with the Christian Kitchen. He was also an active member of the Mason Dixon Woodworkers Club, making toys for needy children and volunteered with Meals-On-Wheels for Shore-Up and MAC, Inc. delivering meals in Delmar and Salisbury. In addition to his beloved wife, Irene Hazlett Collins who passed away in 1995, he was preceded in death by his brothers John A., William S., and Walter Collins and sisters Dorothy Collins and Virginia Collins Hastings. Paul is survived by his son Paul Edward Collins and wife Donna, and his daughter June Collins Brittingham and husband Henry. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Shawn, Leah and Evan Collins. In addition to his children Paul is survived by several nieces and nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations may be made to either Belvidere United Methodist Church, 219 Hardwick Street, Belvidere, NJ 07823, St. Stephens United Methodist Church, 101 E. State Street, Delmar, DE 19940 or Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802. This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Paul Collins. You are invited to add a Tribute in his memory. Please click "Sign Guestbook" below to add your own memories, reflections, thoughts or condolences. Read Paul Collins's Obituary and Guestbook on www.macfaddenfuneralhome.com.