Robert Warren McCollum

Robert was born in Oklahoma but would grin and tell you he was born in the “Arkansas Territory.” He grew up in several small towns in southeastern Arkansas and graduated from North Pulaski High School in 1984. After graduation, he joined the United States Army, completing Airborne School in 1985 before being stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In November 1986, he was deployed to Nuremberg, West Germany.

A devoted sports fan, Robert followed the Arkansas Razorbacks, UALR Trojans, and Arkansas Travelers. Despite being surrounded by St. Louis Cardinals fans in the family, he remained a loyal New York Yankees fan. He especially enjoyed family trips to St. Louis to watch the Rams play. Robert also had a deep love for music and spent many joyful nights singing karaoke with friends at the VFW.

Following his Army service, Robert attended Draughon School of Business, where he earned an Office Accounting diploma. He then began working for Stephens Inc. in Little Rock. He later joined the U.S. Army Reserves, serving with the 431st Civil Affairs unit. In 1991, he was deployed during Operation Desert Storm to Kuwait City and Northern Iraq, where he assisted Kurdish refugees.

A lifetime member of VFW Post 9095, Robert served in many officer roles, including a term as commander. He was well respected and well liked by his fellow members. For the past 20 years, he served as Operations Manager at Ifrah Financial Services.

Robert was raised a Christian, and his faith remained central throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Paul and Alberta McCollum of Stuttgart, Arkansas, and Carlton and Josephina Nelson of Springfield, Missouri, as well as his stepmother, Jean McCollum of Hot Springs.

Robert is survived by his wife of 37 years, Laurie; his father, Warren McCollum of Hot Springs; and his mother, Cheryl Wood of Springfield, Missouri. He is also survived by three sisters, three brothers, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. All will deeply miss his sense of humor, insightful observations, and ability to create unexpected moments of joy.

Robert was proud to serve his country in the U.S. Army and was always a proud Arkansan.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Folds of Honor, in honor of Robert’s service and values.