Howard L. Collins Jr. was born on March 14, 1925 in Detroit, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Collins Sr. and Susie Key; siblings, Harold, Paul and Rose. He is survived by siblings, Edward, Robert and Helen; son, William (Pip) Collins; daughters, Michele (Fred) Slack and Stefania (Terry) Neal; grandchildren, Latoya Collins, Robert Sales III, Towanna (Debaron) Garcia, Cameron (Aletha) Collins, Candice Collins and Evin Howard Collins. Howard passed away on January 16, 2016 after a courageous battle. He was a member of the first black marines serving in Okinawa, Japan and Pearl Harbor. He also worked for the U.S. Postal service, and had several other prestigious jobs. Howard Collins Jr. was a family man who had a great sense of humor and was an avid lover of jazz music. The last minute battle of this proud soldier ended peacefully with a calling to be joined with his wife Laura B. Collins and he will truly be missed. Celebration of life will be held on TODAY Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Rhoden Memorial Home 1101 Palmetto Ave. Akron, Ohio 44306. Family will greet friends from 9 a.m. until time of service. Pastor Robert Evans, eulogist. Procession will form and condolences can be sent to 361 Beechwood Drive. Akron, Ohio 44320