Obituary of Lawrence McCollum

Larry Malcolm McCollum was born in Princeton, Kentucky on August 18, 1923. He was the son of the late Charles Edgar and Ruby E. (Stroube) McCollum. Following, Ruby's passing he was raised by his stepmother: Mary Saloan (Hopkins) McCollum. Knotty as he was affectionately known graduated from Butler High School where he was a star athlete. He attended Western Kentucky University on a football scholarship, but left during his first semester to enlist in the United States Navy. There, Larry, honorably serving his country as an Aviators Machinist in the Pacific Theatre being awarded a Purple Heart. He married the love of his life the former Sarah Melinda Kennedy on October 4, 1948 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Larry was a hard worker and for many years he was employed at Chrysler in Evansville, Indiana. The family would move to Monroe in 1961, and Larry worked for his brother Charles at Floral City Tree Service. He later took employment as a machine repairman and welder at Firestone Steel retiring in 1982. Larry was a Charter Member of Faith Baptist Church, where he was still active in worship. Over the years he sang in several Baptist Gospel Quartets lending his beautiful voice in praise to the Lord. Some of his favorite times were spent in Oscoda in the cabins along the bank of the Ausable River; hunting, fishing, and riding dirt bikes and dune buggies that he fabricated himself. He was a member of the Oscoda VFW and Masonic Lodge. Larry was well known for being the center of attention and his humorous story-telling. He was a proud Monroe High School Football fan Larry age 92 of Monroe passed away on Sunday, May 22, 2016. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by wife: Sarah; son: Reverend Charles McCollum; infant son: Timothy McCollum; and siblings: Charles "Tract" McCollum and Mary Elizabeth Martin. To cherish his memory, he leaves four children: Linda (Earl) Brown, June (Mike) Marchese, John (Rebecca) and Jody (Tammy) McCollum; daughter-in-law: Becky McCollum; one sister: Dorothy P'Poole; twelve grandchildren: Megan, Glenn, Abby, Matthew, Jason, Sarah, Missy, Andrew, Mariah, Maddy, Luke, and Kennedy; and fourteen great grandchildren. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm, Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe, 14567 South Dixie (734) 241-7070. A Homegoing Celebration will take place at 11:00am on Thursday, May 26 also at Merkle's with Pastor Brian Southerland officiating. Procession will follow to LaSalle Township Cemetery for burial with graveside services under the auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Faith Baptist Church. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.