Orwin D. McCollum

Orwin D. “Bud” McCollum , age 92, peacefully passed to his heavenly home on July 10, 2017, in Clear Lake, Texas.  He was born November 14, 1924 in Konawa, Oklahoma to Warren D. McCollum and Maudie Bell Cole McCollum. He married Erla Fay Flowers of Idabel, Oklahoma in 1951, and they were married for 48 years until her death in 1999.  He is preceded in death by his wife, his parents and six brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his daughter Karen McCollum Hill and her husband Dale of Galveston, Texas, son Mack McCollum and his wife Barbara of Weatherford, Texas, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, a sister, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bud grew up in the Dust Bowl of West Texas during the Great Depression, spent his high school years in Hot Springs, Arkansas, served in the Navy in World War II, and then set out on his life.  He has been a standout athlete, teacher, coach, landman, business owner, husband, father, grandfather, church leader, friend, world traveller, widely-recognized tennis player and quail hunter extraordinaire.  He lived most of his life in Abilene involved in the oil business, eventually owning and operating Jordan & McCollum along with his business partner John Jordan.

Bud loved the Lord, and he loved his family.  Everything else was secondary.  He and his wife Erla devoted countless hours to serving in their church --- first at Pioneer Drive Baptist, then First Baptist.  He served as Sunday School teacher, leader of the College and Career Department, and  deacon. He poured his life into his kids and never missed a game, recital or any other event or activity.  He shared his love of the outdoors on numerous trips to the lake and on camping trips to the mountains of Colorado.  His personal passions were tennis and quail hunting --- he hunted until he was almost eighty, and he last went to the tennis court six months ago.

Bud had a true zest for life.  You would seldom find him without an encouraging word, a funny story and a hearty laugh.  He made lasting friendships wherever he went.  The world will be a little less interesting without him.

To most he was simply Bud.  To his family he was Daddy, Dad and Pap.  He was loved and admired by all.  We will miss him.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  2 Timothy 4:7.

Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00pm on July 12, 2017 at Hamil Family Funeral Home.  A celebration of Bud’s life will be held at the chapel of First Baptist Church in Abilene on July 13, 2017 at 11:00am.

Memorial donations in Bud’s name may be made to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, West Texas Rehabilitation Center, or an Alzheimer’s research organization of your choosing.