Dallas Collins
Jan. 2, 1940 — Aug. 13, 2011
Dallas Collins, 71, a lifelong resident of Montrose, died Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011 in an automobile accident on the family ranch at Cimarron, Colo.
Dallas was born Jan. 2, 1940 to Russell and Lily Collins in Montrose. Dallas and his family moved from the North Mesa community in 1943 to the foot of Cerro Summit on the old Menke property. Dallas stayed home with his dad and brother while his mom worked away from home. In 1949, the family moved into town where they lived for two years. Dallas moved with the family to the ranch in the Riverside area and stayed there until his graduation from Montrose High School in 1958. Shortly after graduation, he joined the National Guard Reserves.
Dallas had a very special and unique way of interacting with everyone and he loved to visit with anyone, which served him well as he spent the next 47 years working with the public. He worked for Meadow Gold, Ford Garage and Model Implement. He retired from Montrose Co-op where he was the manager for 22-1/2 years. After his official retirement, he continued working with his two boys on the family ranch.
Dallas married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Knifer, on July 7, 1958. He always put his family first, and his life revolved around his kids and grandkids. He spent the majority of his life trying to make life better for all of them.
He enjoyed packing in to hunting camp, waterskiing, fishing, camping and spending time with his family and friends at the family ranches.
Survivors include his wife, Pat Collins of the family home; sons, Ronnie (Janet) Collins and Dwayne Collins, both of Montrose; daughter, Brenda (Chris) Walsh of Craig; brother, Larry (Lula Mae) Collins of Cimarron; grandchildren: Leigh Ann (Mike) Kelly, Justin Collins, Sheena (Dustin) Yehling, Travis Walsh, and Aime and Paige Collins; and great-grandchildren: Racquel Kelly, Gavyn, Braedyn, Kamryn, and Ali Kay Collins and Austin Yehling. He is also survived by Tinker Bell, his beloved friend and dog.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Lily Collins; and one grandson, Russell Walsh.
A memorial service, in loving memory of Dallas, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at the First Baptist Church on Townsend Avenue in Montrose with Pastor Paul Nystrom officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Montrose FFA Chapter, c/o Montrose High School, P.O. Box 10000, Montrose, CO 81402.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.crippinfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2121.
