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Charles Henry McCollum of Ponca City, OK, passed away June 3, 2024 at age 94. Charles, also known as Chuck, was born March 30, 1930, in Abercrombie, North Dakota to Charles Andrew McCollum and Lydia (Lotzer) McCollum. At a young age, his family moved to McPherson County, Kansas. He graduated from McPherson High School in 1948.
Charles enlisted in the Air Force in 1950 during the Korean Conflict. After obtaining his FBI clearance, he was assigned to the 1095th Air Force Special Weapons Project based at the top secret Bossier Base, near Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. The unit mission was the assembly, maintenance, and storage of atomic bombs for the 2nd Bomb Wing of the Strategic Air Command. Charles was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant after nearly 4 years of service.
After his military service, he attended Kansas State Teachers College at Emporia, Kansas, (now Emporia State University), where he would meet his future wife, Clara Nonaka. The couple wed November 30, 1956, and graduated in 1957. They moved to Ponca City, where Charles was employed by Conoco for 33 years.
Charles was a member of the American Legion for 70 years. He served as Post 14 Commander and District Commander. Charles was also business manager for the Ponca City American Legion baseball program for many years, and he coached local youth in baseball and basketball. He was an avid Sooner fan and attended numerous OU football, basketball, and baseball games, as well as bowl games over the years.
Charles is survived by: wife, Clara; daughter, Saundra (McCollum) Davidson (Doug); son, Alex McCollum (Karen); and grandchildren, Christopher Davidson, Laura Davidson, and Katie McCollum. He was preceded in death by siblings, Flossie (McCollum) Halgunseth, Francis Leon Preston, Gertie (McCollum) Osborn, and Kenneth Leon McCollum.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory, 505 W. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK, 74601.
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