David Eugene Collins, age 62, of White Sulphur Springs

It is with great heart ache that we announce the passing of David Eugene Collins, a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather and dedicated community member who left us too soon on the evening of May 27,2025 due to cardiopulmonary failure.

David was born on August 23, 1962, to George Collins and Elsie Stroh.  He grew up in Townsend Montana with his 7 siblings, George, Shirley, Ronnie, Dennis, Vickie, Anissa, and Douglas.  He caused a ruckus there until he found himself in White Sulphur Springs in junior high where he met and fell in love with Karen McDanel.  He was married to Karen McDanel on August 10^th of 1985 in a small ceremony in White Sulphur Springs. From that marriage came half a dozen kids.

Man did he have a  passion for trucking, he made a career of it for over 37 years.  Anyone that he ever hauled for can attest to just how much he loved it. He made such an impact for his love of trucking through his children, that five out of the six have included it in part of their lives at some point. David found joy in the great outdoors and shared many adventures with family and friends hunting, fishing, camping and snowmobiling.  If he wasn’t out adventuring, he was working on something that was broken down.  He had a knack for being able to fix just about anything.  Some of it involved duct tape and gum but by golly when he was done it worked.

David dedicated over 40 years of his life serving as a volunteer firefighter demonstrating unwavering bravery and commitment to his community.  His dedication extended to Search and Rescue Operations for 25+ years where he played a crucial role in saving lives and providing comfort to those in need.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.  There will be a huge hole in the hearts of all those he touched. His legacy of service, love and adventure will live on.

David is preceded in death by his father George Collins,  his brother Dennis Collins, and his sister Vickie Massee.

David is survived by his 6 children, Candi McDonald, Jason (Shelby) Collins, Laura (Justin) Williamson,  Alex (Sabrina) Collins, Isaac Collins and Austin Collins.

He will be remembered and cherished by his nine grandchildren, Cahal, Mercedes, Teren, Kinder, Tegan, Kayleigh, Jaxon, Maddison, and Everleigh. He also had many nieces and nephews and so many other family members it is impossible to name them.

For those asking about making a donation in his name we have picked the Meagher County Fire Department to receive them. Please make check out to Meagher County Fire Department with in memory of David Collins in the memo. They can be mailed to Meagher County Fire, PO Box 309, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645.

A memorial service will be held at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in White Sulphur Springs MT on Monday June 9^th at 1pm.  Following the service will be a burial at Mayn Cemetery and a get together at 2 Basset Brewery where there will be cornhole and shenanigans

His favorite color was purple so break out your purple clothes and come join us.

Service Schedule

Celebration of His Life

1:00pm

Monday June 9, 2025

Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

103 E. Garfield Street

White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645

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Graveside Service

Following the Memorial Service

Monday June 9, 2025

Mayn Cemetery

4108 US-12

White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645

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Reception

Following the Graveside Service

Monday June 9, 2025

2 Basset Brewery

116 E Main Street

White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645

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