Oliver Collins Jr., 73

Oliver Collins, Jr., 73, of McDermott, died Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, at SOMC Hospice.

He was born March 24, 1939, in New Boston, a son of the late Oliver and Mabel Phipps Collins, Sr. Ollie was a journeyman electrician, President and co-owner of Marbex Surgical Instruments, and a 1957 Glenwood High School graduate. He was a Native American Activist and Principle Chief of the Tallige Fire Cherokee Nation. He traveled extensively to Pakistan, Germany, Israel, and Taiwan.

He is survived by his wife, Erma Lee Phipps Collins, whom he married Aug. 19, 1961, in Portsmouth; three sons, Jeffrey (Debbie) Collins of McDermott, Sean (Wanda) Collins of West Portsmouth, and Matthew Collins of McDermott; two daughters Kayla and Ellie Collins at home; 12 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; two sisters Teresa Moore and Mary Ann Mueller both of California; and a very special Native American Sister, Barbara Crandell.

He was also preceded in death by one son, Mark Anthony Collins; and one brother, Nathaniel Phipps.

A Native American Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012, in Kalanu Cemetery next to Earl Thomas Conley Park on U.S. 52, in West Portsmouth. Arrangements are under the direction of the McKinley Funeral Home in Lucasville.