Howard Vernon Collins, DuPont retiree
Howard Vernon Collins, 78, of Millsboro, passed away suddenly at his residence Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022
Howard was born May 7, 1944, in Millsboro, to the late Ollie and Mildred Collins. He was a lifelong resident of Delaware and was a machine operator for DuPont for 27 years. He attended St. Paul United Methodist Church in Laurel.
He enjoyed building stock cars and drag cars. He also raced at Delaware International Speedway in Delmar and rode with Southern Delaware Street Rod. While working for DuPont, he owned and operated his own body painting business, Vernon’s Paint and Body Shop, in Millsboro. Howard also enjoyed watching his westerns and traveling. He would meet up with his friends at Mcdonald's for breakfast.
Howard is preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and Mildred Collins; brother, Alvin Collins; and sister, Dorothy Collins.s
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sue Ellen; daughter, Cathy Bradshaw (Stanley) of Crisfield, Md.; two stepsons, David Wheedleton of Seaford, and Michael Wheedleton of Bishopville, Md; brother, Leon Collins (Janice) of Georgetown; as well as many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 9, at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro, with a funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will be held at Millsboro Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Howard’s memory to Bless Our Children, c/o WBOC TV, 1729 N. Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD 21801; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Online condolences and memories of Howard may be left for his family at watsonfh.com.
