Robert Collins

Robert Henry Collins (Bob), 72, passed away on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at the Morris County Hospital after a courageous five year battle against cancer. He was born on March 6, 1949 to Don R. and Lucille (Ifland) Collins at Belleville, Kansas.  He attended elementary school in Prairie Village, Kansas and Jr High and High School in Salina, Kansas, graduating in 1967.  During those years he was active in the scouting program and was an Eagle Scout. At Sterling College he met Mary Neuschwander and they were married on May 23, 1970. They have three sons: John, Jess and Zac.  Bob graduated from Sterling with a bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education.   He would further his education by receiving a Master’s degree in History from Emporia State University. Bob and Mary moved to Council Grove, Kansas in July of 1972 where he taught social studies, drivers education, and coached football at Council Grove High School for eleven years.  He began his career as a Financial Advisor for Waddell and Reed Financial Services in 1980 and served in that capacity for 41 years until his death. Bob enjoyed being active in the community and served as a volunteer in a variety of areas including: Hospital Foundation (33 .years), Relay for Life, 4-H Photography leader, Extension Council, Voices of the Wind People Pageant, Washunga Days, and more.  He was an active member and officer in the Kiwanis and Masonic organizations. Bob was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church and provided leadership on a variety of the church’s boards and committees for almost 50 years. Bob had a passion for photography and especially enjoyed taking pictures of sporting events at CGHS for the Council Grove Republican which provided him the opportunity to combine his love of sports and photography plus support and encourage the young athletes.  He also enjoyed landscape photography and capturing the beauty of the Flint Hills in his photographs.  His camera always accompanied him and Mary on their travels to Washington, D.C., Morocco, London, France, Kenya, Amsterdam, and family gatherings to record their experiences and provide visual memories of their adventures. He was preceded in death by his parents, Don R. and Lucille Collins and his wife’s parents, John and Ocie Neuschwander. He is survived by his wife Mary, sons John (Jennifer), Abilene, KS, Jess (Anna), Lenexa, KS, and James Zac (Marie), France and his cherished grandchildren; Elizabeth, Ava, Capri, Marcel, Felix, and Albert who always brought a smile to his face! He is also survived by his brother Barry (Linda) Collins, Salina, KS, brother-in-law Taylor (Cindy) Neuschwander, Tulsa, OK, and sister-in-law, Ginger (Ron) Foos, Tribune, KS and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on July 19, 2021 at the Council Grove Dunlap United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m.  A visitation will be held at the church from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 18, 2021.  The family requests that those attending wear masks. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Council Grove Dunlap United Methodist Church or the Morris County Hospital Foundation.