Thomas Gene Collum

Thomas Gene "Squirrel" Collum, age 74, a resident of Gulfport, Mississippi, died Friday, May 6, 2011. He was born December 3, 1936 in Center, Texas and graduated from Hurst High School in 1954. Tommy or "Squirrel", to his friends, served in the United States Air Force for over 23 years where he retired and received numerous awards for his military service to include the Bronze Star Medal for his heroic efforts during the Vietnam War where he served two tours of duty. After his military service, he served honorably with the SEABEES in Gulfport where he retired after 20+ years to enjoy the rest of his life with his many friends and family members where there was always a Miller Lite to be appreciated. "Squirrel" was an honorable man of few words but you always knew where you stood with him. He was preceded in death by his parents, J.L. "Slim" and Marie Collum, long-time residents of Hurst, Texas; and granddaughter, Jennifer Leigh Collum. Mr. Collum is survived by his wife, Heidi Marie Collum of Gulfport, MS; children, Debra Ann Reasor and husband, Buddy of Canyon Lake, TX, Thomas Dean Collum, Tony Gene Collum and Troy Lee Collum and wife, Peggy all of Lockhart, TX; stepchildren, Carolyn Mead of Gulfport, MS.; siblings, Grover Wayne Collum and wife Harriet of Bedford, TX, and Billy Mack Collum and wife, Janie of Rusk, TX; grandchildren, Kerri Lynn Sanderson and Robert John Sanderson, Jr. and wife Lori all of Wichita, KS, Brandon Sean Collum of Lockhart, TX, Seth Christian and Elizabeth Wilson both of Corpus Christi, TX, Jonathan Surowietz of Gulfport, MS, Jennifer Herring of Lockhart, TX, and Savannah Mead of Gulfport, MS; and 9 great-grandchildren. Tommy's final resting place is located at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas, where a Graveside Service will be held Monday, May 16, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. where he will lie with other great American Heroes.