Allen Frank McCollam

He was born on Jan. 2, 1948, a son of the late Frank and Glenna McCollam and the late Idell Rapp. During his childhood, his grandparents, Blaine and Fannie McCollam, and great grandparents Garland and Lena Currence, played a significant role in his life.

Preceding him in death was his daughter, Shannon McCollam.

He is survived by one grandson, Cash Fox: three siblings, Charles McCollam, Ronetta Lanham and Victor McCollam, all of Mill Creek.

Mr. McCollam is survived by many other nieces and nephews, family members and friends.

After graduating from Tygarts Valley High School, he joined the United States Navy and became an aviation ordinance man serving from 1968-1971. During his time in the Navy, he was assigned to VF-143 the Pukin Dogs attack squadron and completed two tours of duty on the USS Enterprise and the USS Constellation, both of which were deployed in the gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War.

After leaving the Navy he was employed at Concast Metal Products in Dailey for 29 years. Upon the closure of Concast, he enrolled at Fairmont State University and received an associates degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology prior to being employed at Pratt and Whitney.

For the last few years, Allen has received exceptional care at the West Virginia Veterans Nursing Facility in Clarksburg, where he passed away on Jan. 6. Those caring for him developed a close relationship with him and could tell you that he loved Western movies and burnt pork chops among many other details from his life.

Allen was caring and generous to all that knew him and has made many friends throughout his life’s journey.

Anyone wishing to pay respects can do so at The Randolph Funeral Home on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m., with Pastor Randy Long officiating. Interment will follow in Brick Church Cemetery, where members of the Naval Honor Guard, H.W. Daniels Post 29, American Legion and Tygarts Valley Post 3647, Veterans of Foreign Wars, will conduct full military honors.

The Randolph Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements for Allen Frank McCollam.

Send online condolences to the family at www.therandolphfuneralhome.com.