Rufus D. McCollum, Jr, age 84, resident of O'Fallon, Ill. since 1972, transitioned peacefully Saturday, July 3, 2021 at his home with his wife Betty and family at his side.  Rufus was born February 11, 1937 in Abingdon, Va. to Mr. Rufus D. McCollum, Sr. and Velma McCollum.

Rufus retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Air Force where he served 20 years in a variety of capacities.  After a distinguished military career, Rufus began a second career with Southwestern Bell as an Installation and Repair Supervisor in the Control Center.  His love of learning prompted his study of appraisals and real estate competitive market analysis; but it was his service-minded attitude and helpful spirit that ultimately landed him in the role of Office Manager for the Keller Williams Renaissance Realty Center.

Rufus is survived by his wife, Betty Brooks McCollum; his siblings, Jim (Linda), Marie (Greg) English; two sons Todd and Mark (Crystal) of Atlanta, Ga.; two bonus children, Thurman (Anjanette) Brooks of St. Louis, Mo. and Jeri Brooks of Houston, Texas; six grandchildren Maya, Jordyn, Nicole "Niki," Jessica, Joshua and Ethan, nieces, nephews and a host of mentees, adopted and godchildren.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Kiwanis Club of O'Fallon in his name to support the work he loved and promoted at PO Box 934, O'Fallon, IL 62269. Flowers may be sent to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 West Washington Street, O'Fallon, IL, 62269.

The Celebration of the Life of Lt. Col. Rufus D. McCollum, Jr. will begin with a visitation, Sunday, July 11, 2021 from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 West Washington Street, O'Fallon, IL, 62269.  The Homegoing Celebration will be held Monday, July 12, 2021 beginning at 10:30 am at O'Fallon First United Methodist Church, 504 E Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269 with Pastor Don Long presiding, assisted by Pastor Connie "C.J." Jackson.  Guests are invited to share memories and a meal during the repast held immediately following the service concluding at 1:00 pm.  Burial with military honors will be held at 2:00 pm at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125.  Please follow the CDC guidelines and wear a mask if you are not vaccinated.

Betty and the family would like to thank everyone for your prayers, calls, meals, visits, texts and sharing on this day that we honor an officer and a gentleman.  Rufus, known as Honey, Mr. Ruff-essess, Dad, Daddy, Grandad, Papa Rufus, Grandpa, and "the Colonel" will be greatly missed and honored forever.