Philip “Phil” Hugh Collins

Memorial services for Philip “Phil” Hugh Collins, of Boswell, Okla., were held Oct. 19, 2026 at Miller & Miller Funeral Chapel in Hugo. Philip passed away Oct. 7, 2026, at the age of 69.

Philip Hugh “Phil” Collins was born on Feb. 17, 1957, in Fort Sill, Okla., the son of Captain Joseph Collins, US Army, Retired and Della (Keil) Collins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Phil was a well-known citizen of Boswell, for more than 20 years. At a young age, Phil found a love for scouting, he enjoyed years of time spent earning the rank of Eagle Scout in 1972. Later, earning his Master’s Degree in education at the University of Oklahoma, Phil’s educational success led him to being a teacher at the Oklahoma Department of Corrections for 42 years, where he shared his understanding, patience and compassion for those he taught and worked alongside. Outside of his professional life, Phil found joy in simple pleasures. He enjoyed reading as well as having a lifelong love for Sooner Football as well as for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Phil took great care in looking after his beloved wife of 43 years, that devotion was one of the clearest expressions of his love and loyalty. He was known for the generous spirit and for the quiet kindness he showed in his love of donating to charity. Phil always had the heart to help others in hopes of making the world a better place. Phil is survived by his wife, Karen Sue Collins of Hugo; son, Van Higginbottom and wife of Moyers, Okla.; daughter, Kelli Stephens and husband of Durant, Okla.; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Joe Collins of Tulsa, Okla., and sisters: Patricia Miller of Fletcher, Okla., and Mary Scarborough of Hurst, Okla.; stepsisters: Penny Dodd of Geronimo, Okla., and Cindy Ramming and husband of Lindsay, Okla., along with many other family, friends and loved ones.

Bro. David Cahill officiated the service, under the direction of Miller & Miller Funeral Home.