Arthur J. Collins, Jr. died Aug. 12, 2009 at Promise Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson, Kan.

Arthur Collins was born July 18, 1918, in Sabetha, Kan. He was the son of Arthur J. Collins and Edith Williams Collins.

He graduated from Sabetha High School and went on to attend Washburn University, Topeka, Kan., and graduated from the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kan., where he had been a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, serving in World War II.

On Nov. 25, 1943, he married Mabel Claire Blalock of Greensboro, N.C. She survives. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hutchinson.

After the war they settled in Kansas where Arthur worked as a State Bank examiner for several years before joining the Lewis State Bank, Lewis, Kan., as Vice President in 1949. In 1954 the Collins family moved to Hutchinson, where he was a Vice President of Hutchinson State Bank, and becoming president and CEO of Hutchinson National Bank in 1957, a position he held until his retirement in 1983. He was responsible for the construction of a new building, which now houses Data Center Inc. at the corner of 2nd and Washington, and donated land for what is now the DCI Park at 2nd and Main. He was an active supporter of the City of Hutchinson. After retirement, he was involved in the expansion of K-96 from Wichita to Hutchinson. He played a key role in the merger of Grace Hospital and St. Elizabeth's Hospital, forming Hutchinson Hospital.

He was involved in the founding and formation of Data Center Inc., a cooperative of five local banks providing computer services to banks throughout western Kansas. Data Center Inc. is now a nationwide business serving the banking industry from coast to coast. Collins was a member of the Kansas Bankers Association throughout his professional career and served as president of the KBA. He served on several national banking committees representing the Kansas banking industry.

He was an Eagle Scout, and remained active in scouting for most of his life. He was President of the Kanza Council of the BSA and a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award.

Survivors include: his wife; sons, Thomas B. Collins and wife Suzanne, of Rhode Island, Arthur J. (Jerry) Collins III and wife Lisha, of Hutchinson; three grandchildren, Arthur J. (Josh) Collins IV and wife Melissa, of Kansas City, Kan., Thomas B. Collins Jr. and wife Jenifer, of Napa, Calif., and Kristin Collins Kohn and husband Aaron, of Indianapolis; and great-grandchildren, Elijah and Maris Kohn. Arthur was pre-deceased by his son, Michael B. Collins, his grandson, Benjamin M. Collins and a sister, Mary Catherine Hybskmann.

Friends may sign the book today 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the family to receive friends from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary. Memorial service will be Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009, 10 a.m. at the Hutchinson First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Tim Soule officiating. The family will greet friends following the service in the church parlor. Military honors conducted by the Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Graveside service will be Saturday, 3:30 p.m. at the Sabetha Cemetery, Sabetha, Kan., with the Rev. Duane Tramp officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Good Samaritan Fund at Wesley Towers or the American Macular Degeneration Foundation in care of the mortuary.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave personal condolences for the family.