November 27, 1951 – May 16, 2020
Daniel Lewis Collins, of Mitchell, left this world and entered into eternal rest on May 16, 2020, surrounded by his family.
Daniel was born on November 27, 1951, in Mason, WV to the late J.L. and Nola (Blake) Collins.
Survivors include his wife, Deborah (Ferguson) Collins, of 48 years; sons, James (Rachel) of Hobe Sound, FL, Leonard (Krista) of Pell City, AL, Nathan, of Harrisville, PA; daughters, Janette Kimberly, of Bedford and Janelle (Michael) Duncan, of Mitchell; grandchildren, Whitney, Erin, Jerrel, Patrick, Madelyn Rose, Melanie Sue, Austin, Ashlynn, Alexi, Zion, Colin, Jeffrey, Heather, Caitlyn, and a baby due in September; three sisters, Brenda (Dan) Quakenbush, of Ft. Wayne, Joyce (John), of Decatur, and Judy Sherman, of Winner, SD.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother-in-law, Dale Sherman.
Dan Collins had a passion for missions. Following God’s call upon his life, he first served in Haiti, followed by 13 years in Arizona, preaching and teaching among the Navajo Indians. He served them faithfully and showed them the love of Christ. After leaving Winslow, Arizona he then filled pulpits in Tucson AZ, OH, PA, NY, and NJ. He provided an example to his children of a life surrendered to God’s will.
Later in life, Dan and Deb purchased a home in Mitchell, IN. During these years, he kept busy working in the yard on various projects, yet the desire to serve was still there. He taught at Stone City Christian Academy for 10 years. He was passionate about teaching and investing in the lives of his students. He is remembered best for his encouraging notes to his students. He remained there until his health no longer allowed him to teach.
The final years of his life were spent at home investing in the lives of friends and family. From phone calls to sharing bits of wisdom or humorous accounts, he always made people smile.
All of us who are left behind realize the legacy we have. He was a Soldier of the Cross who passionately loved and served his Redeemer. He devoted his energy and strength to provide for his family, showing us all the benefit of working hard.
He had the greatest time when his children and grandchildren came to visit. From various stories, games played, and times of celebration, the chatter and laughter would fill his heart. Together we would gather for family worship. Never a long or lengthy sermon, but practical words to encourage the family to follow Christ. He would pray for us, and we knew this, no matter where we were.
The time came for your departure to heaven. Sadness fills our hearts. Yet we rejoice because we know you are no longer in pain. You are now sitting at the feet of Jesus. You will be missed, but you will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We love you, and pray that we, your family, follow in your footsteps… and someday we will meet you in heaven.
Funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20th at the Faith Mission Church in Bedford with Rev. Aaron Wardlaw and Rev. Leonard Sankey officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19th at the Faith Mission Church. Please be patient while our church follows state guidelines for social distancing.
Guidelines mandate only 25 people at a time for visitation. There is no limit, aside from social distancing guidelines, to the funeral service at the church on Wednesday.
Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.
