Gary William Collins

Gary William Collins, age 82, of Lancaster, Ohio, passed away on January 16, 2026, in Lancaster, Ohio. Born in Tampa, Florida on September 5, 1943, Gary was known for his generous spirit, witty sense of humor, and the warm smile he offered to family, friends, and strangers alike.

On March 18, 1972, Gary was united in marriage to the love of his life, Xantha “Kay” (Phillips). Together they shared 53 years of a loving and faithful marriage. Gary was a caring husband, father, grandfather, and great‑grandfather who deeply cherished his family. He especially enjoyed traveling with his loved ones and creating lasting memories together. After his retirement, Gary and Kay found great joy simply spending time in each other’s company.

Gary graduated from Olentangy High School, class of 1962, and spent his working years employed by Fleming, Kroger, and Meijer. He later served as a custodian at Shalom United Methodist Church where many came to know and love him as “Mr. Gary.” He then faithfully carried out the card ministry at Life Church Vineyard.

A man of deep faith, Gary remained steadfastly kind regardless of how difficult life became, living out his commitment to God through everyday acts of care and encouragement. He delighted in amusing his children and grandchildren with his Donald Duck impressions and in greeting others with a joke and a smile.

Gary was deeply interested in his roots and was a proud member of the Delaware County Pioneers, actively pursuing genealogy and family history. His many hobbies included genealogy, gardening, photography, history, traveling, painting, and listening to country music, all of which brought him joy and gave him countless stories to share. He also had a special love for the family dogs, Precious and Duke, who were constant companions over the years.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Xantha “Kay” Collins; his children, Gary “Brian” Collins (Deanna) and Virginia Kay McDermott (Michael); his grandchildren, Chauncey, Allie, Connor, Kieran, Michael Jr., and Misty; and his great‑grandchildren, Oaklynn, Christopher, Abby, and Easton. He is also survived by his sisters, Sandy Gardner and Bonnie Combs (Cecil). He is preceded in death by his brother, Larry; his grandson, Gary Dale Collins; and many other loved family members.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at Halteman‑Fett & Dyer Funeral Home, 436 North Broad Street, Lancaster, Ohio 43130. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Gary will be remembered for his faith, his humor, his love of family, and his unwavering kindness, which touched all who had the blessing of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gary’s honor can be made by check to Life Church Vineyard, P.O. Box 185, Pleasantville, OH 43148, to support the church’s outdoor gardens.