David 'Lil Dave' Winchester Collins

David Winchester Collins "Lil Dave" was born in Gillette, Wyo., on the 15th day of October in the Year of our Lord 2010 to David R. Collins and Kristina M. Collins.

He resided near Weston, Wyo., with his loving father, mother and baby sister Liberty AnnaMay Collins. Lil Dave left us unexpectedly at the young age of 3 to be with the lord as an angel on March 7, 2014.

Lil Dave was cherished by all and he enjoyed working on the family place with his dad taking care of daily chores, helping his mom and being a big brother to his little sister.

Lil Dave never knew a stranger, was a light in the life of any person with whom he came into contact with and was very connected to Christ as he would always say his prayers loud enough for all to hear ending with a "grizzly" AMEN, which would make everyone smile and laugh.

Lil Dave attended preschool at the Campbell County Children's Developmental Center and asked everyday if he was going to go to school to see his teachers. When at home he loved to (play blocks) with his dad and mom, dance to music as well as watch movies. He would watch "The Magic School Bus" with his mom and "The Lone Ranger" with his dad (while donning a pair of silver pistols on his hips). He also enjoyed watching the movie "Cars" with his parents and would act out the race scenes with his Tonka dump truck all throughout the house, wanting his parents to say (ready, set, go).

When working with his dad he was always his dad's "pard" and would not leave his dad's side, always wanting to know what his dad was working on and (why). He would consistently ask his dad (why) throughout the day as the chores progressed, when he became tired of asking (why) he would take his dad's answer and proudly repeat it as if he already knew the answer.

He loved to ride on the four-wheeler always wanting to go faster, when his dad told him that it was fast enough, he would say (why)? He would always ask to ride on the tractor, when his dad said that the tractor was not needed for the job, the (whys) would start all over again. He would always want to go out and fix fence with his dad; they would often find a section that was in need of dire repair, when his dad would throw in a "quick repair" and say that we will repair it on a better day, he would say (why)? When he got back to the house, he would tell his mom all about how dad just fixed the fence and would have to fix it again later and ask (why)? When riding to town with his mom he would see a train and ask his mom if he could ride the train, to his disappointment his mother would have to tell him no, maybe another day, once again the (whys) would begin.

He loved to help feed and water the livestock; he was always concerned that they had plenty of water. After his dad would say that they were good, he would respond with (why) as he was already walking to the tanks to check for himself before he was content that they were taken care of. On the coldest and windiest days he would want to go for a horseback ride, when his dad said no it is too cold, the (whys) would begin again right before wanting to go back to the house to see his mom because he was cold.

Lil Dave's casket was handcrafted with the greatest love and care by his Grandpa Mike and his dad, for a True One of a Kind Wyoming Cowboy.

Lil Dave is survived by his loving parents, David and Kristina; his sister, Liberty AnnaMay; paternal grandparents Dave and Betsy Collins of Roachdale; maternal grandparents Larry and Kathy Miller; great-grandmothers, AnnaLea Miller and Barbara Ellis, along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins as well as outstanding extended family and friends throughout the entire country. All of which had great influence in his life.

Please come and share in the remembrance of his life with the family on Saturday, March 22 at the Presbyterian Church in Lingle, Wyo. A small lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., and service to follow at 1:30 p.m. with a reception to follow after graveside services.

In memory of Lil Dave a memorial fund has been established to assist parents who cannot afford to send their child to preschool. If your heart compels you to do so, in lieu of flowers please send donations to the following address: Lil David Winchester Collins Memorial, 12 Lou Rd., Rozet, WY 82727.

Matthew 9:14 But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."

Thank you so very much to all of the family, friends and neighbors who are praying for us and helping us through this very difficult time in life.

Best regards, Dave, Kristi and Liberty Collins.