John W."Jack" Collins

John W. (Jack) Collins left this earthly world on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022. Jack was born on December 13, 1927, the youngest child of John W. Collins and Mabel Clark Collins. He joined his sister Jessie and brother Sherwood on the farm in rural Geary County. He attended a one-room schoolhouse through the 8th grade, then drove with cousins Dale and Dean Collins to high school in Junction City.

After his army service with the Signal Corps in Seattle, Washington, he returned to the farm.

In 1948, he began attending Kansas State Agriculture College and was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. Jack earned his Associate of Agriculture degree. While at KSAC, he met Polly Pratt from Pratt and was smitten. Jack and Polly married on August 15, 1953. Into this marriage were born three children: Charles, Craig and Sue Ann.

Jack enjoyed life on the farm and was named Outstanding Young Farmer by the Jaycees and was awarded the Geary County Conservation District's "Outstanding Conservationist" award. Jack also served as a director for the Kansas Livestock Association and was a member of Rotary International.

In the mid 1980's, Jack took a job with the Geary County Appraiser's office as the Rural Appraiser. With his life-long knowledge of Geary County, he was a natural.

After retirement, Jack and Polly enjoyed crafting together, refinishing vintage trunks and painting duck decoys. They also traveled enjoying winters in "Paradise" (Paradise RV Park) in Phoenix.

Jack was a lifelong Presbyterian, being a member of the Humboldt Valley Presbyterian Church, the First Presbyterian Church of Junction City and most recently a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Topeka.

Over the last several years, Jack dealt with various health issues and faced them with grace. He is now at peace.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents John and Mabel Collins; his siblings Jessie Gray and Sherwood Collins; and his son Craig.

He is survived by his wife Polly; children Charles Collins (Sheree), Sue Ann Funk (Steve), daughter-in-law Celia Collins; and grandchildren Brandon Collins (Allee), Erin Funk (Taylor Mahlandt), and Tracey Funk.

Funeral services for Jack will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 25th, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church in Topeka. The family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Burial will be in the McPherson Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 26th, 2022.

Memorial contributions in Jack's memory can be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Topeka, 817 SW Harrison St., Topeka, KS 66612 or the Cat Association of Topeka, 1719 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66604.

To leave a message for Jack's family, please visit the guestbook below.