Baird E Collins

Baird Edmund Collins, a lifelong resident of Loysville, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2024, with his family by his side.  He is now home with his Lord and Savior.  He was born on March 6, 1937, at home to the late Edmund Dale and Esther Hazel (Harris) Collins of Loysville.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Mary Jane (Bolze) Collins; two daughters:  Barbara C. Miller (Michael) of FL and Kathy A. Metz (Thomas) of Duncannon; two grandchildren:  Taryn N. and Brady M. Evans; six step grandchildren:  Jordan (Katelyn), Elise, Albert, Sarah (Isaac), Caleb, and Jacob (Judith); one sister, Kay E. Range (William) of Mechanicsburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Baird graduated with the 1954 Class of Blain Union High School, and continued his education at Susquehanna University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education.  Over the upcoming years, he completed his Master of Music Education from West Chester State University.  Baird loved music, and thoroughly enjoyed sharing that love with others.  He was a music teacher in the West Perry School District for 35 years.  He sang with the men’s barbershop quartet, the Polka Dots.  He was a founding member and director of the Good News Singers, as well as a member of the Good News Singers men’s quartet.  He served as Musical Director and Director of the pit band for 22 Lions Club Community Theater musicals.

Besides teaching, Baird loved woodworking.  What started as a hobby during the summers when he wasn’t teaching, became his second career of over 50 years, Collins Construction.  Baird was a very active member of Tressler Memorial Free Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council and directed the music, adult choir, bell choir, and children’s choir for many years.  He served on the Board of both Perry Health Center and Perry County Council of the Arts, and was a member of the Perry County Retired Teachers Association and Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees.  He was a former Tyrone Township Auditor.

Baird’s funeral services are being held at his church, Tressler Memorial Free Lutheran Church, 3581 Shermans Valley Road, Loysville.  The evening viewing will be held Friday, May 17 from 6 to 8 PM.  The funeral service will be held promptly at 11 AM on Saturday, May 18, with the Rev. David Lusk officiating.  There will be additional viewing time on Saturday from 9 to 11 AM.  If you are planning to attend the funeral service, please arrive no later than 10:45 AM to find a seat.  Interment will follow the funeral service at Messiah Lutheran Church Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Baird’s name to Tressler Memorial Free Lutheran Church.

Arrangements entrusted to Nickel Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Inc., located in Loysville, PA.

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