Darrell Ithaymer Collins

Darrell Collins, 96, formerly of Arkansas City, Kansas, died on Monday, December 12, 2022 in Huntsville, MO. Darrell was born on October 13, 1926, in Luray, Kansas to Wallace and Ura Collins. He was raised with his four siblings in Quenemo, Kansas and on August 21, 1953, was united in marriage to Freda Abplanalp.  The couple made their home in Arkansas City where they raised their three children, Sandi, Gary and Dara.

Darrell sacrificed unselfishly for his family as he and Freda worked hard to make sure the needs of their family were always met. He had a strong work ethic and was a man of his word. After high school he left home to be a lumberjack in Arkansas. Darrell then went to work in the Kansas oil fields until the company went out of business although he continued to work part time as a pumper even after he went to work for General Electric at Strother Field. He stayed with GE until he retired at age 62. He was a humble leader, never giving unsolicited advice, but people took notice when he spoke. The engineers at GE learned to rely on Darrell to tell them whether their plans would work before a project was even started.

Darrell always worked with his hands and was usually self-taught and excelled in areas where he had no formal education or training and was never too proud to learn from others. He spent his lifetime learning how to fix and build while striving to improve anything he did. He led by example, believing anything worth doing was worth doing right and he passed that lesson down to his family, now five generations strong.

Darrell built two of the houses they lived in and remodeled several others for family. He also refinished discarded or damaged furniture they found at rummage sales, a favorite past time with his wife, Freda. He loved working on cars and his children drove some of them in various states  of  repair. As he did with many things, his hard-earned knowledge was always freely given to enhance your life and understanding. Darrell showed his love for others, not just by his words, but by his deeds.

You could read quite a story in the calluses and lines of Darrell’s hands. The years of work, worry, and experiences had left their mark behind. When he was not working, Darrell spent a lifetime outdoors hunting and fishing, often in the company of family. He loved basketball, one of the few times you would hear him raise his voice, coaching from the sidelines. Darrell would stop and talk to everyone he knew and treated everyone with the same respect and kindness. He did have an onery side and was always up for a good laugh, but he never needed to be the center of attention. Darrell could have a temper but was always quick to leave a situation he didn’t like, never to confront you about it again.

 He was lovingly referred to by his grandchildren as “Pampa” and was easily talked into going to Braums for an ice cream treat. He loved dogs, especially his two Doberman pinchers, and was scared to death of snakes. Even though they started with little, Darrel and Freda had saved enough to travel the world on month-long trips with just one suitcase to share between the two of them. Darrell was a quiet, humble man, but you knew he loved you by his warm smile and strong embrace.

Darrell’s hands failed him as a result of a stroke that also made it difficult for him to speak. Even as his life changed and he no longer could do the things he loved, he still embraced life in the way he always had. During this time, he found Jesus at a couples retreat in Branson, which reminds us of a hope far greater than the sorrow of this season. His last years were peaceful at Brook Cherith Assisted Living in Huntsville, where he was well cared for and loved for his kind and gentle ways. Darrell’s life will be remembered as one well lived and we will never take for granted the love in Daddy’s hands.   

Darrell is survived by his children, Sandi Hedinger (Jim) of Ponca City, OK; Gary Collins (Joyce) of Baldwin City, KS and Dara John (Mike) of Huntsville, MO;  his grandchildren; Deb and John Chekal of Belle Plaine, IA; Dori and Trent Knobbe of Sylvan Grove, KS;  Hayley and Daron Huyser of Elwood, NE; Hunter and Amanda John of San Antonio, TX; Keisha and Austin Rogers of  McKinney, TX; Kaci and Richie Bryant of  Baldwin City, KS and Paden and Maegan John of Eureka, MO; his 17 great-grandchildren; Kyler and Maggie Knobbe of Wamego, KS;  Jeff Smith of New York City, NY; Rex Chekal of Chicago, IL; Kenzi and Tate Andrews of Lindsborg, KS; Bailey Withers of Wichita, KS, Adam Withers of Augusta, KS; Keeli Knobbe; Brooklyn and Bentley Rogers; Trey and Kendrick Bryant; Emmett, Cooper, McLane Huyser, and baby Huyser; Loreley, Gavin and Cora John, and Anna Marie John; and his 7 great-great grandchildren, Owen, Ivan and Haven Andrews, Ella and Emmie Knobbe and Athena Withers. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Freda Collins, brothers Russell, Scott, and Rex Collins, and sister Joyce Mueller, grandson Deron Withers and an infant granddaughter, Reagan Marie John. 

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, December 30, 2022, at First Baptist Church of Arkansas City, KS. Family and Friends are welcome. A time of viewing has been scheduled from 1-4 P.M. December 29th,2022 at the Shelley Family Funeral Home of Arkansas City. Memorial contributions may be made to Brook Cherith Assisted Living, 104 East Elm, Huntsville, MO 65259. Donations may also be left in the care of the Shelley Family Funeral Home of Arkansas City. A private family burial will be held prior to the Funeral.