Roy E. Collins, 81, of Ironwood, died unexpectedly Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013, in his home.      He was born Oct. 30, 1931, in Hurley, Wis., son of the late Albert and Emma (Perlberg) Collins, attended Hurley schools, and graduated from J.E. Murphy High School in 1949.      He was married to the former Mary "Margie" DeRosch on Nov. 8, 1952, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Ironwood, by the late Rev. Conrad Dishaw. He then was drafted into the U.S. Army on Dec. 11, 1952, serving his country in Fairbanks, Alaska, during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged as a corporal on Nov. 12, 1954.      Following his discharge, Roy returned to Ironwood where he was employed as produce manager at the A&P Store for many years. He then sold insurance for Prudential for a short time and was sales representative for Armour Meat Co. for several years. He was circulation manager in Ironwood for the Duluth News Tribune for many years and worked as a salesman for the Cohodas-Paoli Co. for several years. He then worked at Copps Foods in Hurley, drove school bus for Hurley Transit Co. for 20 years, and also drove funeral coach for Coach Services of Hurley, retiring in 2012.      Roy was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood, where he sang in the Men's Choir and Resurrection Choir, and served as vice-president of the Parish Council. He had a lifelong love of cars which led him to join the Klassic Kruisers Car Club. He also was a life member of Ironwood American Legion Post 5 and a member of Eagle Bluff Golf Club in Hurley. In his younger years, he drove bus for the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps of Ironwood.      Roy loved his family and lived for his grandchildren, following them in all of their activities, and will be dearly missed.      Surviving are his children, James (Ramona) Collins, Ironwood, Mary (Daryl) Dean, Rhinelander, Wis., and William (Cathy) Collins, Raleigh, N.C.; eight grandchildren, Christopher, Timothy (Alicia) and Kolin Dean, Drew (Jacqueline), Brice and Cotter Collins, and Travis and David Collins; a brother, John "Jack" (Pat), Superior, Wis.; numerous nieces and nephews; and faithful companion for the past eight years, his dog Buddy.      Besides his parents, Roy was preceded in death by his beloved wife Margie, of 49 years, on Aug. 16, 2002; brother, Art; and sister, Ruth Karaba.      Out of respect for his wishes, cremation has taken place.      A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, Feb. 28, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation in the St. Joseph Family Room at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of Peace Church in Ironwood, with the Rev. Robb Jurkovich, celebrant.      Full military honors will be accorded at the church by the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard, with luncheon to follow in the parish hall.      Rite of Committal and interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood, in the spring.      Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood, where condolences may be given online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.