David Martin Collins

Abilene - David Martin "Dave" Collins of Abilene left his life Thursday, December 25, 2025, at the age of 89.

Dave was born March 16, 1936, in Kansas City, Missouri to John Martin and Wilma Minnetta Martin Collins. He grew up in Slaton and spent summers laying track for the Santa Fe Railroad to help fund his education. After attending McMurry University and training in medical technology, he began his career at Hendrick Medical Center. While working as a lab technician at Hendrick, he met and married his beloved wife, Leila, in 1959. They raised two children, a daughter, Kari and a son, David Jr. A first-time grandfather at 59, he delighted in family life. Dave and Leila were happily married until her passing in 2021.

He joined what became Abilene Regional Medical Center in 1968, and served as Chief Administrator from 1972 until his retirement from that role in 1995.

Known for his warm, approachable style, Dave walked the halls daily, greeting staff by name and asking about their families. Under his guidance, the hospital navigated multiple ownership changes and relocated to its current south Abilene site in 1985, and grew into a major regional center.

His proudest career legacy was building Abilene's pioneering cardiac program in the 1970s, personally operating equipment during early procedures. He also oversaw expansions to 165 physicians in 40 specialties, the creation of eight medical facilities, the MotherCare maternity unit, and programs for seniors and cardiac rehabilitation.

Because of his passion for the hospital, its staff, and for the Abilene and surrounding communities, Dave didn't officially retire until 2020 at age 84. His legacy endures in Abilene's healthcare landscape, where he championed change, compassion, and collaboration.

Dave loved the Lord, his family, his friends and his church. He cherished his Tuesday morning men's Bible study, gospel music and his Texas A&M Aggies. He served regularly at his church and the Abilene Police Department. For the past three years, he enjoyed spending time with his sweetheart, Georgia Jackson, a long time friend originally from Abilene. They talked on the phone every night and spent as much time as possible together, traveling and visiting with friends.

Survivors include daughter Kari McCoy and husband Aaron of Dallas; son David Collins and wife Kanitha "Sissy" of Nimrod; grandchildren, Rustin and Molly Collins of Copperas Cove, Garett Collins of Phoenix, Arizona, Madeline McAlister of San Antonio, and Lily and Hall Morton of Birmingham, Alabama.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Wylie Methodist Church, 3430 Antilley Road in Abilene. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Building Fund at Wiley Methodist Church.

Legacy Quote: "He was a good shepherd to his flock at Abilene Regional Medical Center. He knew everybody's name and was well-loved by all." - Jim Scoggins