Frank McCollum, 65, of Holton ended his long battle with poor health that began with a disabling auto accident a few years ago and ended with cancer when he passed away on April 3, 2016.  He was born in Gary, Indiana on April 15, 1950 and as a child lived in Idaho, Kansas and Arizona.

He graduated from Glendale High School, Glendale, Arizona in 1968 and later moved to Kansas City with his family.  His parents Ray and Frances McCollum predeceased him.

He is survived by six sons:  Shawn (Barb) McCollum, Blue Springs, MO; James McCollum, Independence, MO; Pete  (Taunie) Carskaddon, Broken Arrow, OK;  Steve (Janet) Carskaddon of the home; Jeremiah (Amber) Etherton, Perkasie, PA;  and Andy (Marsha) Etherton of Independence, MO.  He leaves four brothers—Frances Marion McCollum, Circleville, KS; Jim (Colleen) McCollum, Morrow, OH; Keith (Jane) McCollum , Olathe, KS; and Ray McCollum, Holton, KS.  He has 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

 Frank’s sense of humor and love of teasing made him a welcome participant at any event.   Much of his life he drove over the road and told many fun and interesting stories about that time.  He also worked on a cattle ranch in Matador, Texas for several years.  Frank had a great love of animals and always had a dog and frequently owned one or more horses as well as other livestock.  He leaves his beloved dachshund, Spot.

Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 8, 2016 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the Circleville Cemetery. Family will greet friends one hour prior to service time. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.  The family wishes to thank his cousin, Janice Lawrence, for her special care, devotion, and assistance to Frank during these last few years.  Frank was an exceptional person and words cannot express how deeply he is missed. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.