Marvin I. Collins

Marvin Israel Collins was born on October 31, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Inez and Ellsworth Collins. He grew up and was educated in St. Louis, Missouri, during the sixties. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration/Economics from Park College in Parkville, Missouri. Marvin was surrounded by a large, closely-knit family where the preparation of country-style food was the focus of most family activities. In that environment, he learned two early life lessons through the good teachings of his mother, grandmother, and aunts. Lesson number one dictated that our palate deserved the very best cooking effort by the preparer. Lesson number two placed the role of home chefs on equal footing with those that were professionally trained and respected. Clearly, young Marvin’s mid-west upbringing increased his appetite to learn more about food and to master its preparation. He soon began what was to become an impressive culinary arts career. He received his first accolades through his numerous concession stands, catering business and contracts with major league baseball teams, colleges and universities. He went on to create more than 150 healthy spices for home chefs. Marvin is also the author of “Date With A Dish-Secrets of Southern Cooking.” Marvin was honorably discharged from the United States Coast Guard on March 28, 1969. He went on to work for and retired from the pharmacy department of the Philadelphia Veterans Administration. During his retirement, Marvin found several new loves. The first was Margaret who was his devoted wife of thirteen years. The second was his beloved dog, Monte, who follows him everywhere. And, his third love was for the game of golf that he taught to the young children of Delaware’s First Tee Program. Marvin was an avid lover of all things cultural. He and his wife enjoyed traveling. They enjoyed jazz, good food, family, and friends. In the spring and summer, Marvin could often be seen working in his garden and cutting his lawn. He touched the lives of many with his big heart, beautiful smile and contagious laughter; it will be forever etched in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved him dearly. Marvin is survived by his partner and confidant, Margaret; his devoted siblings, Phyllis Hope (Rance) and Barbara Hunt(Lawrence); Mom Nellie; aunt, Bert; daughters, Andrea Owens and Keisha Owens; cousins, Michael Holland, Stephen Burton, and Clinton Barnes; niece, Khadijah Parson; his loyal dog, Monte; and host of other relatives and friends. Burial will take place Thursday, June 13, 2019, at 1 PM at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. For directions or to send an online condolence visit www.stranofeeley.com

Marvin I. Collins

October 31, 1947 - June 5, 2019

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