Gerald Lee Collins

Gerald Lee Collins, more commonly known as George, Geo, Dad and Grandpa, left this Earth feeling very loved by family and friends on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 10:49 a.m. in Colby, Kansas. He was a man defined by his steady hands, his devotion to his family, and the quiet strength of a life lived outdoors.

It all began when George was born on August 5, 1951, to Lee A. and Luetta Lucille (Herdt) Collins in Oakley, Kansas. He was the third of four kids in the Collins’ family. George attended elementary school at Page City and middle school at Monument. He completed high school at Oakley graduating in 1969. He continued his education and earned a bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University.

George met the love of his life Judy at a young age. They could often be found cruising Oakley with Judy sitting close by in his prized 1966 black Cheville Super Sport. On August 12, 1973, George and Judy were married in Oakley, Kansas. Together they built a beautiful life and family. They had four wonderful children, Niki, Crystal, Tenille, and Gary.

George grew up working on his family farm and for other local farmers and ranchers. He learned many life lessons milking cows, raising horses, and tending to a variety of livestock. He had many jobs throughout his life and took pride in them all. A few he enjoyed for many years included managing the Smoky Valley Grazing Association, supervising transportation at Winona Public Schools, and maintaining roads for Logan County.

For George retirement was just a word. He kept himself very busy. He loved keeping up with all of his kids and grandkids. He attended as many of their activities as possible. Cheering for each of them brought a smile to his face. Additionally, George picked back up an old hobby of coyote hunting with dogs. He enjoyed chasing the coyote out of the pickup for a short distance before finally turning out the dogs. George also found much joy in working alongside his son tending to the cows and horses. Gary challenged him to be quite the trencher and skid steer operator which he completed with ease. George loved helping Melvin and Crystal with their cows too. He always had a helping hand and a wealth of knowledge learned from hard work and long days to give to anyone and everyone. When he wasn’t in the pasture or at an activity, George could almost always be found tinkering in his shop. There wasn’t a thing that George couldn’t fix and make work. He enjoyed helping everyone work on their vehicles, fix something, or build something. Additionally, George had a deep-seated passion for vintage cars and he eventually had his beloved ‘55 Chevy beautifully restored. He enjoyed showing it to friends and family and even took it to a few car shows, where it won several awards including Best of Show. Lastly, George loved trips anywhere, short or far; he was always up for one. He and Judy took trips to Hays often to visit the Clark’s, one big trip to Tennessee with Tenille, a family trip to Colorado and a quick trip to Scott Lake.

Above all else, George was the cornerstone for his family. He is leaving behind a legacy of love to many family members and friends.

He is survived by: his wife Judy; his children and their families, Niki and Shawn Clark, Colin and Maycie, Kylie; Crystal and Melvin Rucker, Eric, Shaylyn, Riya, Rhett, and Ryler Rucker, Aaron, Hannah, Elijah, Charlotte, and Jaxon Rucker; Tenille Lee and Gee, Journey and Austin, Kaden, Isaiah; Gary and Lacey Collins, Bayler, Mesa; his sister Deanna Pabst and husband Darrell; his brothers-in-law, Kenny Kost and Mark Brothers; his sister-in-law Janet Collins and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lee and Luetta; his sister Judy Dible; his brother Butch Collins; mother-in-law Patty (Kost) Lewallen and sister-in-law Barb Brothers.

A graveside service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Monument Cemetery in Monument, Kansas. Memorials can be made to the family and mailed to Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com

The family wants to express their gratitude for the love, prayers and many acts of friendship shown to them during this time. It is greatly appreciated.