Rawleigh McCollum

Rawleigh “Mack” Maynard McCollum, 87, of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at Essentia Health - Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Rawleigh Maynard McCollum was born on October 12, 1933 in Vergas, MN, the son of Thomas and Violet (Persons) McCollum. Rawleigh was baptized at St. John’s in Vergas, MN.

Rawleigh was united in marriage to Mary Lou Anderson on October 12, 1955 and to this union three children were born; Mark, Thomas, and Kathy.

Rawleigh served in the United States Navy for four years and the United States Air Force for eighteen years. During his service in the military, he served in Korea, Thailand, Germany, Mississippi, Maine, Minnesota, Michigan, Kansas, and North Dakota before retiring in 1974. After his retirement, he attended the Wadena Tech School, worked at DL TV and Appliance’s, and later as a blackjack dealer.

He enjoyed fishing especially with Mary Lou, Bob, his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed trips to Mexico, and watching the Vikings and the Twins. He was an active member of the DAV, the American Legion, and the VFW.

As an adult he was confirmed at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepard in Biloxi, MS, where he and Mary Lou were both charter members. Rawleigh was an active member at Zion Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes. He had a very strong faith.

Deeply loved, Rawleigh’s passing will be mourned by his wife of 65 years Mary Lou; his children Mark McCollum, Thomas McCollum, and Kathy (David) Hedberg; his grandchildren Brittany, Phillip, Aaron (Ashlee), Angelique (Tyson), Tara (Brad), Amber, Cole (Ashley), John, Jade, and Caitlin; and his great-grandchildren Nora, Claire, Joe, and Avery.

He is preceded in death by his parents Violet and Thomas McCollum, siblings Ralph, Warren and Sylvia, and his daughter-in-law Felice.