Dakota Brown Collison

With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Petty Officer First Class, Dakota Brown Collison, who left us unexpectedly on April 9, 2025, at the age of 27. Dakota served his country and community with honor, courage, and an unwavering sense of duty. Born March 19, 1998, in Chestertown, Maryland, Dakota was a bright light in the lives of all who knew him. He brought warmth, laughter and kindness into every room he entered. His love for life was shown through his infectious smile and humor. Dakota’s sense of duty, protective nature and kindness touched all he encountered, as demonstrated by his service at Rock Hall and Chestertown Volunteer Fire Departments and his willingness to assist anyone he encountered. He considered Maryland firefighters a part of his brotherhood. From a young age, Dakota displayed a deep sense of strength, duty and compassion, which were qualities that shaped his life. Petty Officer First Class, Dakota Brown Collison proudly served in the United States Navy as an ITR1 serving aboard the USS Santa Fe, USS San Juan, and COMSUBPAC. This allowed him to experience other countries including Guam, Australia, Greece and Spain, while being stationed at Groton, Connecticut; Kittery, Maine; San Diego, California and Honolulu, Hawaii. Dakota’s initial and final submarine duty station in Hawaii provided him with a sense of home as he thoroughly enjoyed the island lifestyle. Dakota embraced each day with bravery and a deep love for his country. The loss of such a dedicated young life is a tragedy that touches us all. He shared many loving and dedicated years of marriage with his wife, Morgan Collison. Together, as a young married couple, they navigated through a marriage that was intensified by everyday challenges and changes but also the sacrifices that all military couples face. Together, they shared many adventures through a shared love of service, baseball, history and Disney, while sharing their love for their three dogs: Maverick, Goose and Iceman. Though their time together was cut short, their love and friendship was deep. Dakota was preceded in death by his MomMom Patricia “Patsy” Glenn Higgs. MomMom Patsy cared for, loved and helped guide Dakota along through his growth into the man he became. Playing major roles in that guidance also includes his Uncle Donnie Perry, MomMom Barbara and PopPop Joseph Wachowiz, who adored him beyond measure. Dakota was the cherished child of loving parents Sara Plato and Michael Collison as well as his adored “bonus parents” John (T-Bird) Toulson, Angela Collison and Anne Howerton. He is survived by his deeply loved siblings, Wyatt Toulson, Chloe Toulson, Dominic Collison and Chase Collison as well as many other family members and friends who will forever carry him in their hearts. Dakota was not only a grandson, son and brother, he was a best friend, a protector and a light in their lives that can never be replaced. Though his time with us was tragically cut short, the memories he gave will last a lifetime. Dakota has many military brothers across the world and their bond was one built on laughter, loyalty and duty. Dakota had a passion for riding and fixing motorcycles with many of his beloved motorcycle enthusiast friends including “Honolulu’s Slowest”, his passions also included playing video games, building Legos and watching baseball or Star Wars. His enthusiasm was contagious. He lived with integrity and a deep sense of compassion, always willing to lend a hand or share a laugh. A funeral service will be held Thursday May 8, 2025, at 1pm with a visitation 2 hours prior beginning at 11am at Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Department. Friends and family are welcome to attend and celebrate memories with Dakota’s family. In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests donations be made to Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Department in his memory honoring Dakota’s generous, giving heart and many years of service to the community. Though he is no longer with us Dakota’s love, strength and spirit will remain in our hearts forever.

Dakota Brown Collison

March 19, 1998 - April 9, 2025