Nicholas James Collins was born on July 4, 1981, in Springfield, Missouri, and left this world unexpectedly on November 8, 2024. He is survived by his loving parents, David and Jacqueline Collins; his sisters, Nicola Dillon and her husband Michael, Danyel Anderson and her husband David, and Angela Collins Hartman; his brother, Kobi Danke and his wife Sarah; his beloved daughters, Natalia and Brooklyn Collins, and their mother, Tammy Collins. He also leaves behind a large, loving extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

Nick attended Strafford Public Schools, where he formed many lifelong friendships. However, he ultimately discovered his passions outside the classroom, and in 1998, after earning his GED, he proudly joined the United States Marine Corps, following in the footsteps of his hero, his father.

In 2007, Nicholas experienced his greatest joy: becoming a father. He was devoted to his daughters, Natalia, 17, a senior at Strafford High School, and Brooklyn, 9, a fourth grader at Strafford Elementary School. Nicholas took immense pride in being their dad and often told others that his two girls were what he cherished most in this world.

After years of struggling with addiction, Nicholas turned his life around in 2022 with the help of New Beginning Sanctuary in Springfield. He found renewed purpose working at Huey Magoo's, starting as a kitchen prep worker. Nick's work ethic and drive to regain his life was noticed by everyone around him, and within a year, he was promoted to Assistant General Manager of the restaurant. His infectious smile and fun-loving nature made him a pleasure to be around, and he was known for treating everyone with respect, both at work and in his everyday life. Nicholas was always the first to offer help to family, friends, or co-workers, embodying the spirit of generosity and care.

Nothing gave Nicholas more pleasure than spending quality time with his girls, tinkering on his truck with his dad, or sitting down to a plate of his mom's homemade enchiladas.  Nicholas' friends remember him as a genuine joy to be around, someone who deeply valued family and friendship. In fact, upon learning of Nick's passing, one friend expressed, "It's hard to describe the impact he had, not just on me, but on everyone he met. Nicholas loved being a father more than anything."

Nicholas' journey of faith began in junior high, when he asked his sister, Angela, about becoming saved, leading him to accept Jesus as his savior. That spiritual connection would later lead him to follow Christ in baptism as an adult.

Though Nicholas' time on earth was far too brief, his legacy of love, kindness, and hard work will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.  His spirit will continue to inspire those he left behind.

A celebration of Nicholas' life will be held on Saturday, December 14th at 2:00 pm at The Mansion at Elfindale Chapel, 1701 S Fort Ave, Springfield, MO. Following the service, we will have food and fellowship next door at The Mansion at Elfindale. All who knew Nicholas are invited to share in honoring his memory.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.