Daniel D. Wilkins, 51, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016, at his home in Kimmell. He was born to the late Donald C. and Sylvia Mae (Cannon) Wilkins on Aug. 10, 1965, in Columbia City. On Sept. 23, 1995, he married Kristy M. Wilkins in Ligonier.

He had a lot of talent and many skills. His love for gardening kept him pretty busy as well. He worked for 30 years with an exceptional work ethic as a machine operator for Silgan Plastics Company. Daniel was a part of the Wawasee Hawg Hunters Fishing Club. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and many types of construction work with his very good friend, Harrison Hicks. Above all of this, his true passion was being an exceptional father.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years: Kristy Wilkins; his three children, daughters: Amber Mae; Emma Lynn; and son: Ethan Daniel Wilkins, all of Kimmell; siblings: Jeannie (Richard) Pippenger, Churubusco; Tim (Pat) Wilkins, Churubusco; Ron (Bonnie) Wilkins, Saugatuck, Mich.; Don (Sherri) Wilkins, Roanoke; Tom (Denise) Blackburn, Fort Wayne; Donna Keiser, Columbia City; and Lucy (Darl) Dufendach, Connersville; father-in-law and mother-in-law: John and Lynnda Brown, Ligonier; along with many nieces and nephews. Daniel is preceded in death by his parents: Donald and Sylvia Wilkins; and his brother: George Blackburn.

Family and friends will be received from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Stones Hill Community Church, Ligonier. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. at the church. Pastor Joey Nelson will officiate.

A private committal service will take place with the family at the Legacy Cremation and Remembrance Center.

Yeager Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society.