LAFOURCHE and TERREBONNE PARISHES, LA. 

Obituary for MCCOLLUM, ALTON SR.

Submitted by: Louis Lavedan. 

Source: The Daily Comet, Lafourche Parish La. and Houma Today, Terrebonne 
Parish, La.

Published: Tuesday, July 13, 2010 

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MCCOLLUM, ALTON SR.

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Alton H. "Bill" McCollum Sr., 95, died peacefully Friday morning, July 9, 2010, 
at Brighton Gardens of Bellaire Retirement Home.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his six siblings; and his beloved wife 
of 62 years, Edwina "Itzi" Talbot McCollum.

He is survived by one daughter, Judy Christensen of Katy, Texas; one son, Howard 
McCollum and wife, Linda of Houston; one granddaughter, Karen Christensen Reeves 
of Livingston; one grandson, Ronald Christensen and wife, Jodi of Baytown, 
Texas; one granddaughter, Jennifer McCollum Alexander and husband, Matt of Round 
Rock; one great-grandson, Daniel Garrett Reeves and wife, Ashley of Dallas; 
three great-granddaughters, Kara Reeves of Livingston, Melissa Christensen of 
Houston and Brooke Christensen of Houston; two great-grandsons, Jackson and 
Daniel Alexander of Round Rock; and numerous nieces and nephews, grand nieces 
and grand nephews.

Bill was born on May 11, 1915, in Thibodaux, and spent his young years there and 
graduated from Thibodaux High School. He went to work for Railway Express as a 
teenager and worked there for 42 years, until his retirement. He started at the 
bottom but in later years rose to management. He worked in many different cities 
during his long career.

He met the love of his life at a dance at Patin's in Labadieville, when he was 
19, and spent the next five years convincing her to marry him. But it was a 
perfect match for them both, and he and Itzi were quite a pair. They were always 
involved with extended family, and made many friends in all the places they 
lived.

Bill was a kind and gentle man, slow to anger and quick with a funny one-liner, 
always willing to laugh at himself and with others. He had boundless love for 
his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be missed terribly, 
not only by family, but by so many whose lives he touched.

The family wishes to express its sincere gratitude to physician Richard Jackson 
and to caregivers Sharon Phillips and Monica Murillo for their love and care 
over many years.

The funeral service was held July 12, in the Jasek chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & 
Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where the Rev. Msgr. William L. Young, 
Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church officiated. The Interment 
followed, via an escorted cortege, at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in 
Houston. Immediately following the interment service, there was a reception for 
family and friends at the home of Howard and Linda McCollum.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Mr. McCollum's name 
may be directed to the March of Dimes, 3000 Weslayan Street, Houston TX, 77027-
5741; American Heart Association, 10060 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX, 77054-
1302; or to the charity of one's choice.

Arrangements in Houston are entrusted to Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, The Funeral 
Directors - Since 1936, 713-789-3005, www.geohlewis.com.

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