Tony V. McCollum, 76, of Keytesville, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Pershing Hospital in Brookfield, Missouri.
Tony was born August 14, 1949, in Keytesville, Missouri, the son of Chester Valgene and Dora Larue (Bills) McCollum. He married Becky Biere on October 23, 1982, in Salisbury, Missouri.
Tony was a proud graduate of Keytesville High School, Class of 1967, where he was actively involved in Future Farmers of America (FFA). He later attended Columbia College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business, graduating summa cum laude.
Tony was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War and proudly served with the 101st Airborne Division as a Field Artilleryman. Following his initial enlistment Tony later reenlisted and trained as a Combat Engineer and served as a Drill Sargent, making the military his career and dedicating 26 years of honorable service to his country, retiring with the rank of 1st Sergeant. His military service was among his proudest accomplishments and reflected his lifelong dedication, leadership, discipline, and patriotism.
Following his military retirement, Tony continued his lifelong commitment to serving others. He served his community as a Deputy for Chariton County, with the Salisbury Police Department, and as a volunteer firefighter for the Keytesville Fire Department. He later served as Presiding Chariton County Commissioner for 12 years, where he worked diligently on behalf of the citizens of the county.
Tony was also an active member of Masonic Lodge #74 in Keytesville, Rucker-McAllister American Legion Post #7 in Brunswick, Missouri, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Marceline. He was deeply involved in community events and was widely respected for his unwavering commitment to service.
Tony is survived by his loving wife, Becky, of the home; his children, Wendy Beth Childs of Denver, Colorado, Robert Wayne McCollum of Houston, Texas, Josh (Bobbie) Biere of Salisbury, Missouri, and Scott (Logan) McCollum of Columbia, Missouri; his sister, Regina Emmerich of Salisbury, Missouri; his brother-in-law, Jim Blackwell of Keytesville, Missouri; his father- and mother-in-law, Maurice and Mary Biere of Salisbury, Missouri; and brother and sister-in-law Rusty and Kathey Harmon, of Salisbury, Mo, eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Sharon Kay McCollum; brother, Wayne “Buddy” (Jerri) McCollum; sisters, Faye Blackwell and Donna (Gene) Cravens; and brother-in-law, Bill Emmerich, brother and sister-in-law Chris and Debbie Meier.
Visitation will be held Monday, May 18, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Summerville Funeral Home in Salisbury, Missouri, with Masonic services following at 6:00 p.m.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
