MCCUNE — Bennett L. “Benny” Collins, Sr., 71, of rural McCune, and Monmouth, passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at his home in Monmouth.
He was born on Sept. 13, 1954, in Oswego, Kansas, to Luther and Virginia (Caldwell) Collins. Benny grew up at Edna and attended Edna and Labette County schools.
Benny worked with his brother-in-law, Richard Byrd, doing tree cutting and logging, for the City of Altamont, and Burlingame Construction. Benny enjoyed Demolition Derbys, working on Demo Derby cars, country living, hunting, fishing, and most of all his family.
He and Nancy Byrd were married on April 12, 1980, in Miami, Oklahoma. She survives of the home.
In addition to his wife, Nancy, Benny is survived by two sons, Bennett Collins, Jr., and his wife, April of Mound Valley and Luther Collins, and his wife, Tonda of Parsons; his daughter, Christina Blankenship, and her companion, Jesse Robertson of Cherryvale; six grandchildren, Cecil Williams, Jordalynn Williams, Charlie Root, Dakota Collins, Donnie Collins, and Thomas Collins; one great-grandchild, Delaney Willaims, three brothers, Larry Collins of Wichita, Dean Collins of Coffeyville, James Collins of Mound Valley; his sister, Brenda Byrd of Mound Valley; several additional siblings; many nieces and nephews; and his best friend, Harold Wilson.
A celebration of life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Dennis Community Center. Memorials are suggested to the Proud Animal Lovers Shelter, and these may be left at or mailed to the Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 112 N. 26th St., P.O. Box 942, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.
