Shawn Martin Collins

Shawn Martin Collins, 52, of Conway Springs, passed away Thursday March 3, after a valiant battle with cancer. He and his wife Patricia, had very recently moved from Wisconsin to Conway Springs to be closer to family and live on the farm place of their dreams. He said of his new home, "This is Paradise. I couldnt have imagined anything more perfect." Shawn was a brilliant man who loved horses, photography, his Cherokee Indian heritage, the outdoors, music and most of all, his wife of 30 years, Patricia Collins. Shawn was also a very creative writer of poetry and short stories, most memorable of which is "The Cheese House Cats". He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Collins; step-children, Anita Oberwortmann, Gina (Peter) Dolieslager, Frank Vara and Elizabeth Vara; sisters, Dana Collins Olsen and Amy Collins Henson; ten grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Albert Collins Jr. and Carolyn Pellmann, Shawn is preceded in death by a niece, Shine Hensen. As Shawn wished, services will be private. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.