Michael Lee Collins

Michael Lee Collins, age 55, Bloomsburg, PA, died unexpectedly of a heart attack at his home on Friday, July 17, 2009.
Born on August 28, 1953 in Unionville, MO, he was a son of Bob and Claudine (Pauley) Collins. He had resided in Bloomsburg since August 1989.

Michael graduated from Macon High School, Macon, MO, in 1971. As a Navy journalist stationed on Guam, Michael worked for "Stars and Stripes," and among his duties documented the evacuation of the Vietnamese people after the fall of Saigon. After returning to the states he attained a B.A. in Theatre in 1981 from Truman State University, Kirksville, MO and an M.F.A. in Directing in 1984 from Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.

He was Professor of Theatre - Acting, Directing, and Playwriting at Bloomsburg University from 1989 to the present, and previously was Artistic Director for Robidoux Resident Theatre, St. Joseph, MO. Since 2000 Michael and colleagues from BU and Lock Haven University accompanied students to London as part of a study abroad program.

Michael touched many lives through the plays he lovingly directed at Bloomsburg University and the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble and in his performances at BTE; Electric Theatre Company, Scranton, PA; and most recently at Queens Theatre In The Park, New York. But his greatest satisfaction came as a father, husband and steadfast friend. He was a leader; a coach; a mentor; a diehard St. Louis Cardinal, Missouri Tiger, and Tottenham Hotspur fan; and a staunch believer in the importance of the arts in education and everyday life.

He is missed.

Surviving Michael are his wife, Cindy McBeth-Collins, with whom he would have celebrated his 30th wedding anniversary on August 16, 2009; son: Quinn Collins, Champaign, IL; daughter: Caitlin Collins, at home; Michael’s father, Bob Collins, Unionville, MO; two brothers: Kevin Collins, wife Brenda, Powersville, MO and Scott Collins, wife Judy, Dallas, TX, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother.
A memorial service for Michael will be held at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with a visitation held one hour prior to the service.

Memorials for Michael may be given to the Michael Collins Scholarship to be used for students pursuing an education in the arts. A fund will be set up at Bloomsburg University as well as Bloomsburg High School, Macon County R-1 High School, and Putnam County R-1 High School. Memorials may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO, 63565.