David Charles McCollum's Obituary
David Charles McCollum of Olmsted Township was born August 9, 1940 to James and Marguerite (Black) McCollum in Lakewood, Ohio. After an 11-month battle with cancer, Dave was called home to be with his Heavenly Father on October 26, 2023. His loving family surrounded his bedside as he passed from this world.
Dave’s early years included attending Hayes Elementary School, Harding Junior High, and Lakewood High School where he graduated in 1959. He pursued higher education at Lincoln College in Lincoln, Illinois, and continued his studies at Ohio University. His education was interrupted when he enlisted to serve his country honorably in the US Army Reserve as field combat medic with the 83rd Infantry.
An entrepreneur since the age of twelve, he began Art Line Printing after he acquired a printing press. His business savvy allowed him to continue to serve clients of McCollum Insurance Agency, founded by his grandfather, which he operated for 63 years. The agency continues to serve the community today, with a McCollum descendant at the helm, under the name Kelly Insurance.
David is survived by the love of his life, his beloved wife of 48 years, Katherine McCollum (nee Filka); He is survived by his five children, Christine (Tony), Kelly (Keith), Robert (Jennifer), Andrew (Jennifer), and Michael (Candice); grandchildren CJ, Victoria (Daniel), Nichole, Kaitlin (Alex), Joshua, Kalahan (Victoria), Kelsea, Alaina, Alexandra, Gabrielle, Caden, Brian, and Zoey; several great grandchildren; sister Carol Pecord (Carm) of Mason, Ohio; nieces, nephews; and his fur babies Louie, Meesha and Skipper.
When not spending time with his family, this very active man enjoyed numerous hobbies, one of which was being an amateur cartoonist. A lover of all God’s creations and an avid suburban cowboy, he and Kathy enjoyed riding their pleasure horses through the Cleveland and Lorain Metroparks for nearly 30 years. Dave also loved the challenges of camping, sailing, boating, skiing, and the art of carefully nurturing his noted sour dough culture for use in family recipes. Woodworking and carpentry led to enjoyable home improvement projects. His garage tools “rarely got chance to rest.” Together with his wife, daughter and granddaughter, he thoroughly loved attending professional musical productions at Playhouse Square, as well as acting in and directing community theater.
A consummate volunteer, David loved devoting hours to numerous organizations. Most of the time, this went far beyond simple membership, as his willingness to volunteer often brought him to leadership positions. This included recently serving as US Coast Guard Auxiliary Ninth District Eastern Region Division 06 Commander of Northern Ohio. He was a Lifetime member of the National Ski Patrol (NSP – 4959), a Distinguished Past President of Lakewood Kiwanis, Boy Scout Leader, a YMCA Indian Guides Longhouse Chief, a hockey coach for his sons during high school and manager with Hockey North America. He was a passionate supporter of his children’s athletic endeavors, (football, wrestling, hockey) often enjoying their participation in sports more than watching a professional sports team. His community volunteer service included his participation with Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), and numerous therapy dog visits with his canine buddy, Skipper. He had a deep faith that he generously shared with everyone. He was a dedicated member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church where his favorite involvement was using his strong expressive voice to contribute a prayer of the faithful during Sunday Contemporary Prayer service. Dave loved hearing about the growth of a fledgling village of children through supporting the Orphans Medical Network International (OMNI). His kind and giving personality led him to volunteer to help anyone in need whether they were family, friends, or complete strangers.
Cherished by his family and all who had the opportunity to get to know him, David is remembered as a loyal friend, thoughtful and caring father, tender loving spouse, and tenacious protector of the downtrodden. He always saw the best in people. His ready smile brought joy to those he encountered. One of his favorite pastimes was to send daily jokes and cartoons to his internet friends. He never sent negative messages but would always start the day by sharing a humorous story or picture in order to bring happiness to his Facebook friends. People would often tell him that they looked forward to reading his daily posting.
Our loss is truly heaven’s gain. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 6:8
Family and friends may gather at the Sunset Memorial Chapel, at 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, OH 44070, from 4-8 pm on Thursday, November 2nd. A funeral service will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 28455 Center Ridge Road, Westlake, OH 44145 at 11 am, Friday, November 3rd. Dave’s burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Cemetery followed by refreshments back at Prince of Peace.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to OMNI (Orphan Medical Network International) ( http://www.omnimissions.com ) or Cleveland Clinic’s Velosano Ride for the Cure.org (https://www.velosano.org/donate ).
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