Luke Michael Collins

Luke was born on October 28, 1995 in Richfield, Ohio and died suddenly on March 19, 2016 in a kayak accident on West Branch Reservoir. He was the only son of Tammy Rohrer Collins and Mike Collins who survive him.

Luke was a loving son and a kind, young man of deep faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He attended Revere Schools until the 6th Grade. Luke graduated from Wadsworth High School in 2014 and entered Akron University later that year to study Construction Engineering. He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Wadsworth where he attended services on a regular basis. He attended daily Mass at St. Bernard and was a member of the Newman Club.

Luke was a skilled horseman, having started when he was three years old at Victory Gallop. He loved the outdoors and kayaked from Doylestown to Marietta last summer (his obituary picture was a "selfie" on that trip). He was a real history buff and also became a Civil War re-enactor when he was about six years old, having reached the rank of First Lieutenant under the command of Don Van Meter in the 105 OVI. Luke had many other interests which included photography, love of animals, chess, hiking, 4-H, horseback riding and basketball with friends. He loved nothing more than to debate history, politics or religion.

Luke lost his life saving a friend who was drowning. He fulfilled the Words of Christ "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John l5:13)" Luke in this single, unselfish act provided a simple example of love that will never be forgotten.

His life of simple kindness to others and his high integrity has inspired a number of young people to express their praise and condolences. These expressions of love have moved Luke's family to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to all for this wonderful response.

Preceded in death by his grandparents, Peggy A. and Karl Robert Rohrer; Luke is survived by his parents; grandparents; Marc and Karen Collins; aunts, Marcy Collins (Douglas) Law and Cathy Collins (Dwayne) Gentner, Paula Rohrer (Paul) Hyde, Kathy Rohrer (Allen) Hemminger; uncle, Karl Rohrer; cousins, Nathan and Matthew Law, Kailey and Drew Gentner, James, Robert and Margaret Hyde, Benjamin, Jack and Mary Rohrer, Vanessa, Adam and Matthew Hemminger.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. TUESDAY at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 260 Broad St., Wadsworth. Interment at River Styx Cemetery. Friends may call at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. MONDAY. To share a Memory, Send a Condolence, Light a Candle or Send Flowers, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)