Robert Raymond McCollum

Robert Raymond McCollum was born January 7th, 1931, in Amarillo, Texas, as the fifth of seven children and the eldest son of Cecil Raymond McCollum (1899-1991), a minister, and Iola Delle Greer McCollum (1898-1986), homemaker and fabulous cook. Robert accepted Christ as his Savior at a young age and spent the remainder of his life in service to his Lord. He graduated from high school in 1949 in Hazon, Arkansas, and afterwards attended Ouachita Baptist College as an Army ROTC student. During this time, he traveled with Bob Randall conducting tent revivals during the summers. It was at one of these revivals, in Plains, Kansas, that he met his future bride of nearly 60 years, Darlene Joan Miller. Robert graduated college in June 1953, and received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Infantry, U.S. Army. He and Darlene were married in December 1953. He began his active duty service at Ft. Benning, Georgia, in 1954. His and Darlene's eldest son, Keith, was born in Ft Hood, Texas in 1955. Called to the ministry, Robert was honorably discharged from active service in January of 1956 and entered Southwestern Baptist Seminary while remaining on reserve status for the U.S. Army. A second son, Randy, was born in Ft Worth, Texas in 1958. In 1962, Robert began serving as an active reservist in the U.S. Army Chaplaincy, assigned to the Army Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He was also the Music, Education, and Youth Director for First Baptist Church, Belton, Missouri. In 1964, Robert and Darlene's third son, Gary, was born in Kansas City, Missouri. Robert continued his military career, finally retiring in June 1982 as a Lieutenant Colonel after nearly thirty years of reserve and active Army service. At the time of his retirement, he was serving as State Chaplain, Colorado National Guard. During this time, Robert ministered in or pastored several churches, including First Baptist of Canadian, Texas, and First Baptist, Faith Baptist, and Victory Chapel in Broomfield, Colorado. In addition to full-time ministry, he worked numerous jobs to support his family, sometimes two or more at once, including at Celestial Seasonings, R & D Western Wear (his own company), and U-Haul. He retired in 2004 at age 72. Through the years, Robert and Darlene ministered to countless people in need, and took many destitute and hurting friends and new acquaintances into their home, despite the personal financial difficulties their generosity created. Robert enjoyed spending time with friends, boating with family, and doing hands-on projects. Most of all, however, the love and calling of his life was to mentor, help, and minister to people in need. Robert is survived by his wife, Darlene; by his three surviving siblings, Naoma Furrow of Escalon, California; Irma Phillips of Madison, Wisconsin; and Glenn McCollum of San Jose, California; by his three sons, Keith, Randy, and Gary, and by four grandchildren, Shiloh, Cody, Daniel, and Kylie. Please see service information below. Reception is to immediately follow Memorial Service. The McCollum family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers or other gifts, you consider donating to the Darlene McCollum Support Fund to help Darlene in her time of need. Though your contributions will not be tax deductible, they will be very much appreciated nonetheless. We thank you for your continued prayers and support. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Ephesians 2:8, 9 (KJV) For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast. 2 Timothy 4:5-8 (NASB) But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please share your memories of Robert and your condolences with his family by signing the guestbook below.