Dr. Elmer C. Collins

Elmer C. Collins M.D. 1928-2016 Elmer C. Collins M.D. passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio. Elmer was born on July 19, 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the son of Elmer M. and Marie Matzelle Collins. He grew up in East Cleveland and graduated from Shaw High School in 1946. He graduated from John Carroll University in 1951. Elmer graduated from medical school at The Ohio State University in 1955. He completed his internship and ophthalmology residency at OSU in 1959 as chief resident as well as completing his M.S. in microbiology during this time. During his residency he met the love of his life, Mary, and they married in 1955. He was drafted into the U.S. Navy and served two years at the Portsmouth N.H. Naval Hospital where he attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander USNR. By 1961 Elmer returned to Columbus to begin his ophthalmology practice. During his career he served as Chief of Ophthalmology at Riverside Methodist Hospital, and was a clinical assistant professor of Ophthalmology at OSU. He attended Grand Rounds every Thursday morning before retiring in 1991. After retiring he became active in the Dublin Senior Citizens Organization, serving as president for one year. He was also active in the 55 Plus Senior Club at St. Brigid’s church in Dublin where he served as president for 2 years. Elmer was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Mary A. Collins. He is survived by his five children Steve Collins (Paula) LaGrange GA, Judy Culkin (Tom) Novi MI, John Collins (Jane) Saginaw MI, Chris Collins (Harriet) Cincinnati OH, and Sue Honious (Mike) Hendersonville TN—and his eleven grandchildren Elizabeth and Joseph Collins; Christopher and Catherine Culkin; Madeline, Jeffery, and Caroline Collins; Grant and Haley Collins; and Ryan and Mitchell Honious. Although he will be greatly missed, we celebrate a life well lived. Visitation with family and friends will be from 9:30-10:00am MONDAY, JULY 25, 2016 at ST. BRIGID OF KILDARE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7179 Avery Road, Dublin, OH 43017 where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am with The Reverend Monsignor Joseph M. Hendricks, Celebrant. Private family burial will be observed at Resurrection Cemetery, Lewis Center, OH. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Elmer’s memory to the NFE Fund for families of St. Brigid of Kildare—c/o PNC Bank, 221 West Bridge Street, Dublin, OH 43017. To send an online condolence, please visit www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com.

Dr. Elmer C. Collins

July 19, 1928 - July 21, 2016