- Date Of Birth: February 2, 1930
- Date Of Death: February 18, 2011
- State: Indiana
Melvin P. “Red” McCollum, 81, of Goshen and formerly of Marion, Ind. passed away on Feb. 18, 2011 at the Maples at Waterford Health Campus, Goshen. He was born on Feb. 2, 1930 in Rockcastle County, Ky., to the late John William and Mary Ethel (Croucher) McCollum. Melvin married Ruth E. Purviance on Aug. 20, 1949 in Marion.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ruth E (Purviance) McCollum, their three children, Susan R (Joseph) Saunders, Hilliard, Ohio; John W. (Carol) McCollum, San Antonio; Patrice (Scott) Woody, Elkhart, grandchildren Carolyn E. Bentley, Lawton, Okla.; Sean D. (Danielle) Saunders, Hamilton, Ohio, Robert B. Saunders, Hilliard Ohio, Bradley (Kim) McCollum, San Antonio, Bryan D. McCollum, San Antonio, Chris A. (Annette Shaw) Woody, Marion, David A. Woody, Elkhart, Jason A. Woody, Elkhart, two-great grandchildren: Lily Bentley and Connor Bentley both of Lawton, Okla., sister, Gloria Ann (Dick) Davis of Muncie, also his sisters in law, Mildred McCollum, Mt. Vernon, Ky, Darlene McCollum, Upland, Judy McCollum, Tamarac, Fla., and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by brothers Roy McCollum, Robert (Bobby) McCollum, Charles McCollum, William (Bill) McCollum and sisters Ella Nora McCollum and Ruth Johnson Melvin “Red” McCollum retired from RCA / GE Marion with more than 36 years of service.
Melvin enjoyed fishing, most often with his best friend of more than 50 years, Lou Woody of Marion, spending time with his grandchildren and gardening. In the last two weeks, all of the grandchildren were able to spend quality time with Papaw. Melvin suffered a fall at home in late December and was not able to recover from the effects. Up until that point he had been helping care for Ruth, making homemade applesauce and visiting her daily at the nursing facility where she resides.
Papaw will be greatly missed, and we are thankful for the many memories we have of him.
