Vernon Mccollam

Vernon Lewis McCollam age 83 of Independence, Kansas died Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at the Regal Estates in Independence, Kansas. Celebrations of Life Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 19, 2010 at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas with the Reverend Jack Weaver officiating. Burial will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery under the direction of the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. Visitation hours will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, April 18, 2010 with the family receiving friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. The family has suggested memorials to AWOL and contributions may be left at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. Vernon Lewis McCollam was born February 15, 1927 in Kincaid, Kansas to Lawrence Marvin Jack and Lucy Ruth Reynolds McCollam. He grew up in Kincaid, Kansas and graduated from the Kincaid High School. On March 3, 1945 Vernon enlisted in the United States Navy and served over 24 years retiring in May of 1969. Vernon served during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Vernon also worked in the Recruitment Office in Independence, Kansas. On August 31, 1957 Vernon married Doris Degarimore in Fredonia, Kansas and they made their home in Independence, Kansas. He worked for Belt furniture for a short time before going to work for Sherwin Williams. Vernon worked as a Manager of Sherwin Williams for over 15 years. He then owned and operated McCollam Paint and Wall Paper Center in Independence, Kansas retiring in 1994. Vernon was a member of the VFW. Survivors include his wife Doris of the home three sons Greg McCollam of Independence, Kansas, Patrick McCollam of Greenwood, Indiana and Donald McCollam of Independence, Kansas three daughters Diana Poliquin of Leavenworth, Kansas, Verna Turner of Iola, Kansas and Lori Houghton of Coffeyville, Kansas one brother James McCollam of Kincaid, Kansas three sisters Rosemary Gillespie and Kathleen McCollam both of Kincaid, Kansas and Delores Butler of Fort Leonardwood, Missouri 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.