Harold W. McCollum, 87, of Gas City, passed away at 6:45 am on Thursday, June 29, 2023, with his wife by his side. He was born in Mount Vernon, Kentucky, on Tuesday, January 7, 1936, to Bert C. and Della (Cox) McCollum. On July 3, 1958, he married Lenora “Kay” Dawalt, who survives.
Harold graduated from Mississinewa High School in 1954. He served in the United States Marines Corp during the Korean War conflict as a Radio Operator and achieved the rank of Corporal. Following his honorable discharge from the military, Harold was a clerk for 28 years with the US Postal Service, retiring in 1992.
Harold was an avid Mississinewa Indians fan and, for the past 30 years, ran the clock for most of the sporting events at Mississinewa. He also played shortstop from the late ’50s to the early ’70s for the Twin City Merchants/Bankers and Johnson Packers. Harold even tried out for the Baltimore Orioles and was one of only two players who were selected to continue on in the process. However, he decided to serve his country instead. He was instrumental in getting the Hundley Field built in 1964.
Harold was a former Gas City councilman and, up until recently, was on the Mill Township Advisory Board. He also ran McCollum Tax Service for nearly 30 years.
Survivors include his loving wife, Kay, of nearly 65 years; sons, Kirk (Shelly) McCollum of Gas City and Kent (Gail) McCollum of Noblesville; daughter, Debra (Chris) Cunningham of Gas City; sister, Connie (Larry) Kinner of Marion; grandchildren, Neal Cunningham of Indianapolis, Todd (Tony Creech) McCollum of Pawtucket, RI, Katelin (Sergio) Flores of Gas City, and Conner (Anna) Cunningham of Marion; seven great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Edna Atkinson, Colleen Jeffries, and Bonnie McCollum; brothers, Delmar McCollum and Bob McCollum; and grandson, Andrew Cunningham.
The family will receive visitors from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN.
On Thursday, July 6, 2023, a funeral service to celebrate Harold’s life will take place at Westview Wesleyan Church, 1300 W. 6th St., Jonesboro, IN, at 11:00 am, preceded by an additional hour of visitation. Pastor Bill Cornell will be officiating with burial following at Riverside Cemetery. Mississinewa Indians fans are encouraged to wear their Indian gear.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Harold’s memory to Mississinewa Athletics: Mississinewa High School, 203 E. N. H St., Gas City, IN 46933.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family of Harold, please visit our floral store.