Leonard A. Collins

Leonard A. Collins was born in Biloxi, MS on October 23, 1930 and died peacefully on Thursday, January 28, 2016 surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, William J. Collins Sr. and Augustine O'Donnell Collins, his brothers and their wives, William J. Collins Jr.(Dorothy), Francis X. Collins, Joseph O. Collins (Dorothy) and Paul J. Collins. Leonard is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lucille LoBianco Collins and his children, Karen Redd (Eddy), Linda Collins, Kenneth Collins, Patricia Mangrum (Michael), Nancy Butts (Michael). He was the proud grandfather to six grandchildren; Annie Redd, William Redd, Matthew Mangrum, Benjamin Mangrum, Thomas Mangrum and Riley Collins. He is also survived by his sister Mary Collins Wilson, and sister-in-laws Rosemary Collins (Mrs. Francis X.) and Rose Collins (Mrs. Paul J.). Leonard was born and raised in Biloxi, MS. He graduated from Notre Dame High School and then attended Louisiana State University where he received a degree in Architectural Engineering. After earning his registration as an architect in 1955, he entered the United States Air Force where he served as a commissioned officer. He started his career as an architect in Baton Rouge. In 1961 he moved to Biloxi and joined his uncle, John T. Collins in the practice of architecture. The firm merged into the firm of Guild-Hardy, Architects, in 1998 where Leonard remained as a consultant until 2011. During his career he designed many buildings along the Gulf Coast. One of the projects closest to his heart was St. James Elementary School, where all five of his children attended. He was an active member of St. James Parish, serving as President of the St. James Catholic Church Parish Council. He was a strong believer in Catholic education and served on the St. James Catholic School PTO, the St. John High School Home School Association and Diocese of Biloxi School Board. Leonard was president of the United Way organization and served as General Campaign Chairman for Harrison County in 1977. He also served on the Board of Directors of Goodwill industries of South Mississippi. He was active in the Knights of Columbus {4th Degree). He was a member of Biloxi Rotary Club, Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, Diocese of Biloxi Building and Real Estate Committee, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Section of the American Institute of Architects. Along with his faith, the most important part of his life was his family. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren especially during their annual summer beach vacations. He will be deeply miss The Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, February 1, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at St. James Catholic Church, Gulfport where friends may visit beginning at 9:30 A.M. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery, Biloxi. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or St. Vincent de Paul C/O St. James Catholic Church, 366 Cowan Road, Gulfport, MS 39507. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com