John F. McCollum, 76, of St.Marys, OH, went home to be with the Lord 3:15 p.m. Saturday, November l, 208, surrounded by his family at Otterbein Retirement Community near Grand Lake St.Marys. 

He was born October 22,1932 in St.Marys, OH to Samuel and Allie (Stoker) McCollum. 

On May 2,1952 he married his beautiful wife, Edna Annabelle Longsworth, who survives. 

Other survivors include:

¨ Daughter, Cheryl (The Rev. Alva Joe) Daniel of St.Marys, OH

¨ Son, Michael (Lori) McCollum of Lima, OH

¨ Son, Larry (Carrie) McCollum of St.Marys, OH

¨ Daughter, Lisa (Darrell) Wilder of Van Wert, OH

¨ Son, Robert McCollum of Cincinnati, OH

¨ 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren

¨ Sister, Mary McCollum of St.Marys, OH 

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Donald McCollum; great-grandson, Nathaniel Wilder; brother, Samuel McCollum; sister, Delores Moon. 

He retired from the Minster Machine Company where he worked 28 years as a welder. 

He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene and attended the St.Marys Missionary Baptist Church. 

He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served as a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division during the Korean War.  He was an avid fisherman and hunter, who enjoyed spending time with his family. He was also a member of American Legion Post #323 and Eagles Lodge Aerie #767, both in St.Marys, OH.

Services are scheduled 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 5,2008 at the Miller Funeral Home (Ohio 703 West Chapel, in St.Marys, OH, with the Rev. Alva Joe Daniel officiating.  Burial with graveside military rites will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery in St.Marys.

Visitation for family and friends will be held 2-4 and 6-8 at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association.