Eli Merrill Collins, age 87 of Belleville, passed away April 17th, 2023.

Eli was born February 3, 1936, in Letcher County, Kentucky to John and Nannie Collins. His father worked hard in the coal mines to provide for the family while his mother tended to the home. While in school he met Bobbie Jean Collier and the two became great friends. Over the years, friendship turned into love and on April 5, 1952, the lovely couple crossed the state line to Clintwood, Virginia, where they were married.

In search of better employment opportunities, Eli and Bobbie moved from their home in Kentucky to Detroit, Michigan. They lived in Detroit for a while, before moving to Wayne. Eventually, they settled in Belleville, where they remained for many years.

Eli was known as a dependable hard worker whose diligent work ethic enabled him to provide a good, stable life for his family. He was so proud of his children and would frequently boast of their accomplishments to others, no matter how small or large. Eli also enjoyed time spent outdoors, hunting and fishing. Above all else, family was the most important to Eli, and he will be deeply missed all who knew and loved him.

Eli was the beloved husband of the late Bobbie. Loving father of Merrill Collins, Jr., Anthony Collins, Shannon (Scott) Mullins and the late Deborah (John) Osborne and Mary Evelyn Collins. Proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation for Mr. Collins will be held Thursday, April 20th, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 851 N. Canton Center Rd., Canton. His Funeral Service will be held Friday, April 21st, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton.