Travis Louis St. Marks, Kihew pipikwan, Eagle Whistler, passed away on June 17th, 2026, in New Mexico. Travis was born on January 18, 1990, at 2lbs 12oz in Great Falls, MT. He was the beloved son of Nina St. Marks and later developed a meaningful relationship with his father, Tim Collins. He was also raised by his godparents, Dennis and Wanda St. Marks.

Travis was a lifelong learner who pursued his passions with determination and an open heart. He graduated from Box Elder High School in 2009. He attended Stone Child College and Great Falls College, where he earned his Associate’s Degree in Auto Body Mechanics. He later followed his creative calling at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he was pursuing a degree in Cinematic Arts.

Throughout his life, Travis was known as a hardworking and ambitious go-getter. He held many jobs over the years, including positions at Dairy Queen and Walmart, gaining valuable experience and building lasting friendships wherever he worked. He served as the manager of an RV parts store in Great Falls, Montana, where his strong work ethic, leadership, and dedication were admired by coworkers and customers alike. Travis most recently dedicated his career and time to working as an Advanced EMT and Medical Assistant for Rocky Boy Health Center throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. He held these positions near and dear to his heart and developed many friendships while working at the clinic. He was grateful for his supervisor, Jacy Crowley, who motivated and spoke to his potential in healthcare. Most importantly, she was a listening ear and truly cared about Travis. She put him in charge of ordering for the supply room and he took his role very seriously, neatly reorganizing and labeling each item with numbers for the next person to easily find the items. There was also a special place in his heart for Dr. Dao. He was praised by his EMT instructors as energetic and excited to learn how to help people in emergent conditions. Travis looked up to his EMT supervisors, Crissa Oliva and Melissa Swan, whom he called his “work moms” and had his own customized bag filled with supplies and lime green gadgets to enhance his work as an EMT.

Travis found joy in the outdoors and cherished time spent with family and friends. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and cooking meals over an open fire in nature. He enjoyed working with his hands and could often be found restoring vehicles, especially his beloved red Chevy truck. At the time of his passing, Travis was working on a scooter project in New Mexico. He was also exploring new artistic talents, learning to paint and creating short films that reflected his unique perspective, creativity, and love for storytelling.

A passionate advocate for Native voices and Indigenous storytelling, Travis was highly active on social media. He created a podcast and YouTube channel called The Innovative Native, where he shared ideas, stories, and conversations that encouraged understanding, growth, and connection to his own struggle with mental health. During his time in New Mexico, Travis was welcomed by the Zuni people and dedicated himself to learning their ceremonies, traditions, and culture with respect and admiration. He embraced opportunities to learn from others and carried those teachings with gratitude.

Above all else, Travis loved his daughter, Emma Jean St. Marks. She was the light of his life, and he was incredibly proud of who she was becoming. He would often talk about how smart and how beautiful she is. He was a proud father of his daughter.

Travis also developed a strong friendship and companionship with Maureen Deveraux and her son, Zeke Deveraux. Their bond brought joy, support, and meaningful connection into his life.

Those who knew Travis will remember his warm smile, infectious laugh, quick wit, and compassionate spirit. He was open-minded, accepting, and always willing to listen without judgment. He had a remarkable ability to make people feel heard, valued, and understood. Whether through a conversation, a joke, or simply his presence, Travis made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Nina St. Marks; his godfather, Dennis St. Marks; his grandmother, Lorraine St. Marks; his grandfather, Hector St. Marks; and his uncles, Kenneth St. Marks, Louie St. Marks, Samuel St. Marks, Robert St. Marks, Alex St. Marks, and Billy St. Marks Sr.

Travis is survived by his beloved daughter, Emma St. Marks; his father, Tim (Laoma) Collins; his godmother, Wanda St. Marks; his sisters, Shaylee St. Marks, Monica Collins, and Melinda Lamere; his brother, David Collins; aunts, Patricia St. Marks and Anna St. Marks; uncles, Patrick St. Marks and Richard St. Marks; close cousins, Joy Bridwell, Merle (Nicole) Big Bow, Mark (Krystine) Doney, Kayla Doney, Kylie Doney, Tia St. Marks, Billy St. Marks Jr., Samuel St. Marks, Jamie St. Marks, and Gerrilynn (Brett) Dickey; as well as many extended family members, friends, classmates, coworkers, and community members whose lives he touched.

Cremation has taken place, and services are pending with Holland & Bonine Funeral Home upon his return.