Daniel Robert Hoskins Jr.

July 17, 1937 — July 30, 2026

Osawatomie, Kansas

Daniel Robert Hoskins Jr., age 89 of Osawatomie, Kansas, died Thursday July 30. 2026, at his home.

Dan was born on July 17, 1937, in Norwich, Kansas. He is the youngest and only son born to Daniel Robert Hoskins Sr. and Dorothy Marie (Wagoner) Hoskins.

Dan grew up in Pittsburg, Kansas, where he attended College High School. Following graduation, he began his career working in the office at Dealers Transport before accepting a position with Ford Motor Company. He later joined Kansas Power and Light, where he began working at the Grand Avenue Power Plant before transferring to the Miami County district.

Dan dedicated 31 years of service as an Underground Service employee before retiring in 1995. Retirement did not slow him down, as he went to work for his son, Pat and his wife Angie, at Read It Free, where he worked for another 18 years.

On August 10, 1957, Dan married the love of his life, Leona M. Lero, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frontenac, Kansas. Together they were blessed with four sons: Daniel R. III, Michael J., Mark A., and Pat. They began their married life in Kansas City, Kansas, before Dan's work brought the family to Miami County. They moved to Osawatomie where they were the caretakers at Osawatomie City Lake. Then Dan built the family home in Osawatomie, where they raised their children and created countless memories together.

Dan has always enjoyed collecting antique gas pumps and vintage advertising signs, a hobby that reflected his appreciation for history and craftsmanship. He and Leona also shared a love of travel, spending ten winters in California and creating lasting memories on numerous cruises. Their travels also took them to Rome and Hawaii, adventures they treasured throughout their marriage.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his two older sisters.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Leona, with whom he has shared 70 wonderful years of marriage; his four sons, Daniel R. Hoskins III, Michael J. (Farida) Hoskins, Mark A. (Julie) Hoskins, and Pat (Angie) Hoskins; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Dan's life has been defined by his strong work ethic, devotion to his family, and the pride he took in building a life filled with love, hard work, and cherished memories. His legacy lives on through the generations of family he has been blessed to watch grow.

Funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, August 6, 2026, at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. The service will be preceded by the Rosary at 10 a.m. followed by Visitation until service time.

(Published in the Linn County Journal on July 31, 2026)