Leslie McCollum, Jr.

Herrin- Leslie McCollum, Jr., 81, of Herrin, passed away at 10:50 PM, Saturday, November 18, 2006 at Shawnee Christian Nursing Center in Herrin. Leslie was born on July 6, 1925 in Johnston City to Leslie & Ethel (Simpson) McCollum. He married Anne Marie Bione at the United Methodist Church in Herrin on November 25, 1947. She survives of Herrin. Mr. McCollum served in both the Army and the Marines during WWII and the Korean War. Once honorably discharged he was committed to forty years of service to the people and children of southern Illinois in the field of education. He worked as teacher, counselor, coach, administrator, and finally Regional Superintendent of Williamson County Schools for twelve years. He initiated the Academic Scholar Bowl in Williamson County and established the Williamson County Spelling Bee. He volunteered and worked with Special Olympics and the Alternative School and initiated the Coats for Kids program for the Southern Region 6. He served as co chair for the American Cancer Society and chaired the Williamson County Chapter for twenty five years. He volunteered at the Marion VA Hospital and served on the board of directors of the American Heart Association. He served on the Herrin Park Board and was on Sen. Ken Dixons Naval Academy Selection Board. He was an active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. SURVIVORS: Wife- Anna Marie McCollum- Herrin Daughter- Denise A. McCollum- Chicago Daughter- Stephanie S. McCollum- Marion He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, Frank Schwaninger, and two half brothers, Joe & John McCollum. The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, November 22, 2006 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin. Monsignor Ken Schaefer will officiate. Burial will follow at San Carlo Cemetery with military rites performed by the Herrin VFW & American Legion Posts. Visitation will be from 5-9:00 PM, Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorial donations can be made to the John A, Logan scholarship fund established in Leslies name and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin.