Wilgus "Bruce" Collins

Wilgus "Bruce" Collins, age 92 of Hamilton, passed away at Hospice of Hamilton on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Wilgus was born in Hazard, Kentucky on June 27, 1933 to Brady and Ethel Mae (nee Morgan) Collins. He joined the United States Airforce when he was 17 and spent five years in Germany. When he returned, he went to Lee College before transferring to Moorehead State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in science and math. On November 12, 1964, he married the love of his life, Blanche Garrett. They moved to Ohio where they raised their daughter, Nicole. Wilgus worked at Peas Home, retired from Southern Ohio Steel in 2000 and retired from Lowes in 2007. Wilgus was a freelance photographer, avid hiker and enjoyed traveling with his wife and daughter.

Wilgus is survived by his wife of 62 years, Blanche Collins; his sisters-in-law, Sally (the late Tom) Collins, Ruth (Sidney) Isaacs and Shirley (the late Mack) Pratt; his brother-in-law, Edward (Helen) Garrett; and many nieces and nephews. Wilgus was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved daughter, Nicole Collins-Pelton; and his brothers, Paul Dean Collins and James Edward Collins.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Brown Dawson Flick Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio. Funeral service will be at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park.