Cornell McCollum was born on September 9, 1942 to Joe McCollum and Irene (Redman) McCollum, in Muskogee, Oklahoma.  He enlisted in the military on February 28, 1962. He proudly served in the United States Navy.

Cornell enjoyed many things in life.  He loved coaching softball.  Striving to make a positive influence in the lives of those he coached was one that was important to him.  He liked to square dance. He was a very social person, he enjoyed visiting and never met a stranger.  The family of Cornell recalls him to be quite a jokester.  Cornell was the owner of "Keeping in Touch" newspaper for years, striving to keep everyone informed.

Cornell departed this life on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 81 years.  Preceding him in death were his parents, Joe and Irene McCollum and 13 siblings.

Left to cherish the many memories of Cornell include his son, Michael Kinna and his wife, Carollee; grandsons, Caden and Cole Kinna; a sister, Beulah Sullivan of Broken Arrow, OK; a brother, Shelby McCollum and his wife, Karen of Wagoner, OK; a brother, Billy McCollum of Anderson, S.C.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family who will miss him dearly.

The family will greet friends and relatives at a Visitation on Monday, May 20, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. in the Chapel of Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory.

Graveside services will be held to honor the life of Cornell McCollum on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 in the Bennett Addition of Elmwood Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. in Wagoner, OK. with Military Funeral Honors.  Life Celebrant Mary Jane Whisnant will officiate.