Lowell Thomas McCollum

Lowell Thomas McCollum, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2024, at the age of 91. He was born March 29th, 1932, to the late John A. McCollum, Sr. and Rossie Bates McCollum. He was the second youngest of seven children. Lowell was married over 65 years to the late Mary Ann Raley McCollum.

He grew up on Scaffold Cane Rd, attended Berea High, and after graduation served in the U.S. Army 3rd Division during the Korean War.

He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement when “on June 10th and 11th Sergeant McCollum ‘courageously volunteered to make repeated trips to the battered outpost and help evacuate the wounded. Constantly exposed to heavy mortar and artillery fire, he moved about the area, administering aid to the wounded and helping them to safer positions” (Berea Citizen Oct. 1, 1953.) He was very proud of his service and country.

Following his return from the Korean War he met Mary Ann Raley, who was a student at Berea College. They were married on April 7th, 1957.

Lowell graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 1959 with a degree in accounting. He was active for years in the Berea Lions Club and was the 1999 – 2000 Lion of the Year. He was the owner of Mac’s Wood Shop and received numerous certificates of excellence for his craftsmanship in woodworking.

Fishing was his passion and Lake Cumberland was his ‘second home’. He also enjoyed spending time camping and waterskiing with his family.

He was preceded in death by his brother John A. McCollum, Jr. sisters Ruth McCollum, Elizabeth McCollum, Lois Ann Haddix, Dorothy Caldwell, and Norma Robinson and one nephew Rob Haddix and nieces Barbara Caldwell and Carol Roberts.

He is survived by three children Richard (Lynn) McCollum of Berea, Steve McCollum of Washington D.C., and Susan (Bob) Kaucic of Seattle, Washington. He was the proud grandfather five grandchildren Aaron (Lindsay) McCollum, Ethan (Gabby) McCollum, Catherine (Mark) Reeves, Robert Kaucic, Kimberly Kaucic, and one great grandson Liam Logsdon. He is survived by nephew John “Butch” Caldwell of Richmond and two nieces, Lora Haddix of Berea and Marilyn Jean Yorkovich of North Carolina.

Funeral services were Saturday February 3, 2024. Rev. Curt Gardner officiated. Burial followed in Berea Cemetery.

Lakes Funeral Home in Berea was in charge of arrangements.