Elmore “Gil” G. Collins of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on April 24, 2026. Gil was born on June 30, 1930, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Arthur and Thelma Collins. He married Mary Ann Scalise on October 23, 1954, in Des Moines, and they shared a loving marriage of 70 years.

Gil is survived by his son, Greg Collins, and daughter-in-law, Karen Case; his sister-in-law, Jeri Nunez; brother-in-law, Ron Pardekooper; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Gil had a lifelong love of golf, both playing the game and designing golf courses, and he built a distinguished career as a golf course superintendent. He was a low-handicap player and, for more than 40 years, managed golf courses in Iowa and Missouri. Gil was recognized as one of the finest superintendents in the Kansas City area. He spent the final 33 years of his career at Oakwood Country Club in Kansas City, Missouri.

In addition to golf, Gil enjoyed painting watercolors, especially landscapes. During his last year, he also created several pencil drawings.

A Catholic Mass honoring Gil’s memory will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 30, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 14251 Nall Avenue, Leawood, Kansas 66223. Visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Kansas.

Gil touched many lives and will be fondly remembered by those who loved him and by the many residents and staff at Tallgrass Creek Senior Living.  Memorials can be made to St. Michaels in Gil's memory.