Clark Collins

Clark J. Collins, of Sylvania, Ohio, age 94 years old, passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at Parkcliffe Assisted Living Facility. Clark was born on August 25, 1928, at The Flower Hospital, on Cherry Street, and was the son of Archie J. and Helen H. (Clark) Collins. Both his parents resided at, and continued to live in Sylvania from Clarks birth, until their passing.

Clark was a 1946 graduate of Burnham High School, where he earned 13 varsity sports letters. He then attended Bowling Green State University for 3 years on an athletic scholarship for basketball. After this, he attended night classes at the University of Toledo, and finished his education by graduating from numerous professional trade schools, all while working at the same time.

Clark has always been a hard worker. To start off in his young years, Clarks first job was the paper route. He worked 2 routes. One for the Times, and one for the Blade, both morning and evening. He joined the U.S. Army during the Korean war and was honorably discharged. Work came so quickly to Clark that he was discharged on October 13, 1952, and was immediately hired at Sylvania Savings Bank and started on October 16, 1952. He worked for the bank for 17 years, before he got his real estate sales and court appraisal licenses. He stayed active with his licenses up until 2010. He rejoined the banking firm, but this time in the mortgage department, as a loan officer, until his retirement. During retirement, Clark was employed as a guard with the Toledo Museum of Art, until 2017.

Clark was a talented and well-versed man, who had many professional experiences during his lifetime. He was an avid Sylvania Athletic Booster and was the Northview Band and Orchestra Booster-Treasurer. Many might have even heard him as the Northview High School Football and Basketball announcer for over 25 years! Clark was even recognized and added into the Sylvania Athletic Hall of Fame. He made sure to always keep up and active with local sports and had a love for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Clark was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church, of Sylvania for 75 years, and also a member of the Monroe Street Methodist Church. He was a City Council member for 22 years, with 8 years being the President, and was so proud to be active in his community. He took great pride in the Sylvania area, specifically. He was on the Sylvania Civil Service Commission for 4 years and was the Chairman of Compensation and Public Relations. Clark was also a member of the Parks and Recreation committee, Chairman of the Finance Committee, Charter President of the Exchange Club of Reynolds Corners, and Trilby Chamber of Commerce past President. In addition, Clark was on the Lucas County Board of Elections charter member, and the founder for Boy Scout Troop #154.

Clark married his first wife, Beverly Jean Kerr, on May 23, 1953, and the two celebrated 17 years of marriage before her sudden passing. Clark then married his bride, Lynda K. (Pettit) Collins, on February 11, 1972, and the two enjoyed 51 years of cherished memories and love together. Lynda spent this past Valentine’s Day visiting with Clark and had the chance to see his warm smile one last time, before he passed the very next day. She will hold that memory near and dear to her heart forever. Clark will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

In addition to Lynda, left to cherish his memories include his children, Timm and Tami Collins, Heidi (Steve) Stratton, Barbie (Brian) Young, and Heather Widman; grandchildren, Noah, Kyle, Hayley, Damont, Aspen, Allen, Jorel, Keon, Tatyana, Dusty, Katie, and Brittney (Andrew); great-grandchildren, Elanor, Willow Grace, Wimberley Skye, Kohen, Zavior, Vega, Orion, and Dante; and special cousin, Sue Conrad. Clark is preceded in death by his first wife, Beverly; his parents, Archie, and Helen; and one granddaughter, Erica.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Sarah Jackson for her great care with Clark.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 3, 2023, at Walker Funeral Home, Sylvania Avenue, from 4:00-7:00PM. Visitation will continue Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 10:30-11:00AM at Monroe Street Methodist Church. A memorial service will follow at 11:00AM.

Memorial donations are suggested to Monroe Street Methodist Church or Monroe Street Bluff Houses.