Alan G. Vopat, 76, passed away at his home in Wilson, Kansas on June 7, 2026.
Alan was born on November 16, 1949, in Ellsworth, Kansas, to George Leonard Alan and Sylvia Georgina (Svaty) Vopat.
Alan graduated from Wilson High School in 1968. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Fort Hays State University, and his master’s degree from the Chicago Institute of Art in Chicago, Illinois. Alan also proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam war. Following his military service, he worked for the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, drawing dams. He later embarked on a career as a national and international tour guide, traveling the globe with his then-partner, Ginger Otto, and enjoying the adventure of a lifetime.
A lifelong freelance artist, Alan expressed his unique perspective on life through a wide variety of artistic mediums. His work often told stories that made people think, incorporating a distinctive written-word style into his creations. Much of his art drew inspiration from memories of life on the family farm, nicknames he had for family members, and whatever happened to spark his imagination in the moment.
After returning to Wilson later in life, Alan spent considerable time in Lucas, Kansas, where he forged lasting friendships with fellow artists and devoted himself to his craft. He was a member of the Switchgrass Artist Cooperative, where he sold his whimsical drawings and prints. In 2015, he opened the Da Da Muse 'Um Art Gallery in Lucas, explaining that it was created "to give Dinsmoor a little competition." A longtime supporter of the Grassroots Art Center, Alan regularly participated in the annual April Fools-A-Palooza celebration, welcoming visitors to his gallery and sharing stories behind his artistic inspirations.
Alan will be remembered for living life to the beat of his own drum, his remarkable artistic talent, engaging storytelling, love of travel, and enjoyment of a good game of pitch.
Surviving family members include his siblings: Phyllis (Vernon) Dolezal of Kanopolis, KS, Robert (Mary L. Mahoney) Vopat of Topeka, KS, Harry (Loni Jensen) Vopat of Paola, KS, Dr. Richard (Mary Kasper) Vopat of Wilson, and Danny Vopat of Topeka, KS. He is also survived by eleven nieces and nephews, numerous great-nieces and nephews, and several great-great nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents George and Sylvia (Svaty) Vopat.
A private family celebration of life will be held.
Memorials are suggested to Grassroots Arts and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, PO Box 533, Wilson, KS 67490. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com