Michael E. Collins Obituary (1991 - 2014)

Michael Eugene Collins, 22, of Normal, passed away at 9:05 pm, Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.His funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2014at Eastview Christian Church, Normal with Rev. Mike Baker officiating. Burial will be in Gridley Cemetery, Gridley. Visitation will be from 3:00-8:00p.m. Monday, April 7, 2014at the church.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Michael Collins Foundation to fund and support various activities important to Michael and his family including an endowed baseball scholarship for Heartland Community College, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Eastview Christian Church, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and various other ministries. Gifts can be deposited at any Heartland Bank location or mailed to Heartland Bank, PO Box 67, Bloomington, IL 61702.Michael was born on May 20, 1991 in Normal, the son of James Robert and Kelly Ann Presley Collins.He is survived by his parents, Jim and Kelly Collins of Normal; one brother, Jimmy Collins of Bloomington; maternal grandmother, Betty A. Presley of Normal; paternal grandfather, James L. Collins of Towanda; one maternal uncle, Terry (Sandy) Presley; two paternal aunts, Susan Albee and Sharon (Kevin) Rutledge and a paternal uncle, Jeff (Jane) Collins.He is also survived by many beloved cousins including Eric (Alycia) Stark, Adam (Kacy) Stark, Sara Stark, Katie (Austin) Myers, Kyle Rutledge, Tristin (Ken) Duffy, Carter Collins, Samantha Collins, Brian Wright, Christina (Mark) Frederick, and Sarah (Nick) Riordan, Jon Albee, Josh Albee, Joanna Willet and Jason Albee.His maternal grandfather, Donald E. Presley and a paternal grandmother, Lois E. Collins, preceded him in death.Michael was a senior exercise science major at Illinois State University and a 2010 graduate of Normal Community West High School. He played baseball for two seasons at Heartland Community College, and currently was an assistant baseball coach at U High under his father, Jim.His baseball accomplishments included: Playing second base for Heartland Community College when the Hawks finished 3rd in the NJCAA World Series in 2012. Being named an Academic All American in 2012. He was a member of the first Heartland team to advance to the NJCAA World Series in 2011. He was a middle infielder and pitcher for Normal West when they won back-to-back Big 12 championships in 2009 and 2010. He was selected to the Illinois Coaches Association and Pantagraph All-Star games in 2010. He was a member of the Big 12 All Academic team in 2010.His favorite baseball memories included winning two consecutive Region 24 Championships at Heartland. Hitting a home run in the NJCAA World Series. And receiving a phone call from his mom that his dad had won a 2012 State Championship at University High School.He enjoyed golfing, working out, watching episodes of Seinfeld and spending time with his two dogs.Michael was passionate about many things but the greatest joy he brought his family was his faith in God and his relationship with the Lord. His favorite scripture was Philippians 4:13, "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."