Vernon Kenneth Collum

Vernon Kenneth Collum "Pete," 93, was at home, surrounded by his family, when he left this earth for his heavenly home on March 6, 2025, in Odessa, Texas. He was born on June 16, 1931, in Maud, Oklahoma, to James and Mildred (Barrow) Collum. Pete was raised in the Harjo area and graduated from Harjo High School in 1949. He joined the service in 1951 and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy until his honorable discharge in 1959. Sometime after his discharge, he moved to Odessa, where he began a lengthy career with Gulf Oil and met and married the love of his life, Lillian Oleta (Ringener) Collum. Pete and his wife Lillian shared a passion for serving others. Together, they embarked on a series of business ventures, beginning with their convenience store and deli, Stop and Go Grocery, in Odessa. In 1984, they pursued their love for cooking and serving others by opening a small restaurant at Lake Brownwood, followed by another in Cross Plains and later in Colorado City. Even after retiring in 2003 and returning to Odessa, Pete could not sit still-he and Lillian traveled to arts and crafts shows across Texas, selling food and continuing to share their love of cooking and serving others. In 2010, Pete fully retired and turned his attention to gardening. He had a natural green thumb and spent every day tending to his yard and garden, no matter the season. Moving the water for his plants was a ritual-one he was dedicated to, even at dinnertime. Pete and Lillian attended church at Crossroads Fellowship, where they faithfully served their church-especially in the kitchen, where they poured their love into cooking and feeding others. On January 9, 2013, Pete gave his heart to Jesus and was baptized at Crossroads Fellowship in Odessa, Texas. Their dedication continued after his baptism, reflecting Pete's lifelong commitment to caring for people through his faith and his food. Through their years at Crossroads Fellowship, they made many friends who became like family. In the last six months of Pete's life, he was unable to care for his yard and garden as much as he would have loved to do. In November of 2024, he did spend a little time in the garden pulling weeds and one stubborn tomato vine. The removal of that stubborn tomato vine marked the beginning of his final journey, and Pete spoke of it often throughout his last few months. Pete is survived by his loving wife, Lillian Oleta Collum of Odessa, TX; his children, Belinda (Jody) Finn and her husband Glenn (Dusty) Finn of Montrose, CO; Ricky Allen Collum of Odessa, TX; and Kendra Ka Collum of Kingsland, TX. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Dr. Lacy Finn Borgo and her husband Dr. Douglas Borgo of Montrose, CO; Brandan Finn and his wife Tanya Finn of San Antonio, TX; Bryan Allen Collum, Cade Allen Collum, Serepsy Ott, and Haylie Brooke Underwood, all of Odessa, TX; and Hartley Ann (Underwood) Bedingfield and her husband Jonathan David Bedingfield of Midland, TX. His great-grandchildren include Aidan Bailey Borgo of Lakewood, CO; Anwen Grace Borgo of Boston, MA; James David and Logan Blair Bedingfield of Midland, TX; and Finley Ann, Adalie Jane, Emilia Faith, and Graycen Riley Ogletree of Seagoville, TX, as well as his many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mildred Collum; his brothers (Red, Jake, and Edward); his sisters (Winona Bunch, June Stovall, Wilma Dean Scott, Margie Northcutt, Beverly Barton, and Patsy Anson); his daughter-in-law, Sabrina Kay Collum; and his beloved granddaughter, Charity Day Finn. Pete will be remembered for his generosity, dedication to family, and passion for faith, food, and gardening. His hardworking hands and loving heart touched the lives of many, and his legacy will live on in the memories of those who loved him. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 11 AM at American Heritage Funeral Home.

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Vernon Kenneth Collum

June 16, 1931 - March 6, 2025