It is with profound sadness and immense love that we announce the passing of Daniel James Collins, who died peacefully on September 2, 2025, in Overland Park, Kansas, at the age of 79. Dan was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His days were filled with music, laughter, generosity, and a deep-rooted love for his family and community.

Born on November 22, 1945, in Pensacola, Florida, Dan grew up in Kansas City, Kansas. He graduated from Wyandotte High School in the Class of 1963. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work while helping in his parents’ restaurant, Fritz’s, a beloved local spot.

Dan began his professional journey at TWA in the parts department before transitioning into finance. Over the years, he worked at Sun Savings, M&I Bank, and BMO Harris Bank. He also spent time working as a commercial real estate appraiser at David Craig & Associates. His professional life reflected his integrity and dedication, qualities that earned him respect among colleagues and clients alike.

Married to the love of his life, Carol Baker, in 1966, their journey together began when they met in the 7th grade and grew into a partnership that lasted nearly seven decades. This past August, they celebrated 59 years of marriage, a true testament to their enduring love and devotion.

Dan’s greatest pride and joy were his children: Leigh Casamento (Robert), Amanda Lowry (Jeff), and Daniel Collins VI (Rachel Spaethe). He devoted himself to raising them with compassion and humor, leaving a legacy of love that continues through his beloved grandchildren: Collyn Lowry (Jordyn), Will Lowry, Abigail Collins, Katelyn Collins, Amy Collins, Lukas Lowry, Massimo Casamento, Alessandro Casamento, Eva Lowry, and Genevieve Casamento. Each held a unique and cherished place in “Papa’s” heart. He felt honored that several family members carried his name forward, including his son Dan, his granddaughter Katelyn Danielle, his grandson Collyn, and his grandnephew William Daniel. Dan also shared a deep and special bond with his nephew, Josh Kropf (Emily Westering), and took great joy in Josh’s children, Eloise and William Daniel.

He is survived by his siblings Jodie Green, Annette Pollard, and Fred Kropf, and preceded in death by his parents Daniel James Collins, Virginia Kropf, and Fritz Kropf; sister Patricia Zell, and his infant daughter Elizabeth.

Dan found spiritual grounding throughout his life. He grew up attending Victory Hills Nazarene Church in Kansas City. He later became a leader at Broadway Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri, where he developed deep, life-long friendships.

A passionate supporter of all things Kansas City - especially the Royals and Chiefs, Dan never missed a chance to cheer for the home team or proudly wear team colors. He loved the University of Kansas Jayhawks and all things college basketball. He attended the Final Four multiple times, finally being there for the KU win in 2022. But nothing thrilled him more than watching his grandchildren, whether it was a little league game, a school match-up, a travel tournament for club sports, a dance competition, or college soccer matches around the country - you could always count on Papa to be there or cheering from afar.

Dan loved to travel. Whether visiting his daughter and grandkids, riding trains through Europe, relaxing on his annual Mexico trips with dear friends, or roadtripping with CC, he loved to discover. He would always meet someone new, find an amazing new spot and always try to “find that place we went 50 years ago…”

Dan was never happier than when surrounded by friends and family over a good meal, sharing stories that left everyone laughing or reflecting long after the wine ran out. His kindness extended beyond words; he believed wholeheartedly that helping others was the highest calling in life. Whether offering a hand during tough times or lifting spirits with a perfectly timed joke, he lived each day as an opportunity to make someone else's day better.

Dan often said he hoped people would tell stories about their relationships with him when remembering him. If you knew Dan, whether for decades or just a moment, we invite you to share your story as part of this tribute to a man whose impact can still be felt through every kind gesture passed forward.

True to who he was, Dan chose to be an organ donor. Even after his passing, he wanted to help others in need, a final act of kindness that perfectly reflects the way he lived his life.

We will miss him every single day, but we’ll carry him with us always: in music sung aloud on road trips; in roaring cheers from stadium seats; in quiet acts of kindness done without fanfare; in meals shared around crowded tables filled with laughter.

To honor Dan’s incredible life and legacy of connection and joy, a celebration will be held at 10:30am on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at Milburn Country Club (7501 W 69th St.; Overland Park KS 66204). Just as he would have wanted, we will stay at Milburn after the ceremony for food, drinks and good company, while we will watch the Chiefs game together.

In lieu of flowers, we invite family and friends to contribute to a fund that will be donated to the Wyandotte High School Pep Band in Dan’s name. Dan often spoke of the joy he found in playing in the pep band during his high school years, and he carried that love of music with him throughout his life. More than anything, he loved helping others discover their own passions, and this fund is a way to honor that spirit, supporting young musicians and keeping his legacy of encouragement and kindness alive.

May we all strive to live as fully and love as fiercely as Dan did.

Go Chiefs!

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