Robert O. Collum

Robert Otis Collum (USAF, Ret.) died at the age of 87 years at his daughter's home in Forsyth, GA of natural causes after a prolonged struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Robert was born in Phoenix, AZ on December 8, 1934, as the third child of Herbert Merle and Pansy Mildred (Lewis) Collum. He was preceded in death by both parents, two brothers (Forrest and Jackie), and his sister Janalee Stone. He spent his early years living in various places in Arizona, Oregon, and California. He was social, outgoing, excelled in sports, and was well liked. Robert enlisted in the US Air Force in 1954. He met Rebecca June Atkinson and they were married on January 14, 1958. A few years later, they welcomed their daughter Robin, and their son Buckley. Robert would serve various roles in the Air Force, both stateside and overseas, with his proudest professional achievement being the establishment and oversight of several falconry programs in Europe and the US. He retired from the Air Force in 1975. Robert lived the following decades variously in Arizona and Georgia, choosing to be close to both his and June's families. His many hobbies included oil painting, collecting (coins, sports cards, bottles), fishing, rock hunting, jewelry making, bottle hunting, genealogy, and reading. He also took time to earn his high school diploma and to attend vocational school. He was a member of several organizations including the North American Falconers Association and various mineral clubs. He was very proud of his family, and was much loved, and will be dearly missed. Robert is survived by his daughter Robin (Dennis) Beall, his son Buckley (Julia) Collum, granddaughters Jacqueline (Kaley) Melton and Kristi (Nathan) Green and Katie (Patrick) Slonaker and their children, his brother Wayne Collum, and by his sisters Sharon Reeves and Pam Slaton. Robert requested his body be cremated and that his children scatter his ashes near the grave of his beloved wife, June, who died in 2000. As per his request, his family will hold a private service at a later time to spread his ashes. Monroe County Memorial Chapel has charge of arrangements.