Dan L. Collins, 84, fixed his final fence on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, as he left us to go home to be with his Lord and Savior.

Born in 1942 to Frank and Lois Collins, Dan grew up in rural Plainville, Kansas, where farm life taught him the value of hard work — and, as an only child, play often meant driving at the age of five. He worked many jobs growing up and often told the story of helping lay the floor in the local post office.

In 1964, Dan met the love of his life, Linda. After a four-month courtship, they were married on Mother’s Day, beginning a devoted partnership that would shape the rest of his life.

Dan was busy throughout his life — teaching high school in Bird City and later in Plainville, driving a school bus, serving as a youth group leader, and as an active member of First Southern Baptist Church. He was also a mechanic, farmer, rancher, and state representative. But no matter how busy life became, his family and his cows always came first.

Family was important to Dan, and how fortunate his children and grandchildren were to grow, play, and work alongside him. He will be deeply missed. After all, he was the G.O.A.T.

Dan is survived by his family: Jim Collins; Terri Collins; Justin and Mary Collins; Joel and Lisa Collins; and Casey and Brian Arnold. Grandchildren: Jessica Collins, Jade Moore, Kassie Binning, Sabrina Collins, Connor Collins, Jake Arnold, John Arnold, Heidi Rankin, Emily Barger, Michael Rankin, Zoey Rankin, and Sean Guffey; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Linda; and his son, John Collins.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Plainville, Kansas. Burial will follow at the Plainville Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made in his name to First Baptist Church and sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd, Plainville, KS 67663.