F.T. (Ted) McCollum

Foris Theodore (Ted) McCollum Jr., 73 a longtime De Baca County rancher died Saturday, January 18, 2003 at his home in Fort Sumner. Ted was born May 2, 1929 in Lamesa, TX to the home of Foris Theodore McCollum Sr. and the former Martha Lucille Managan. Ted was reared, attended and graduated from school at Lamesa, TX. He attended Baylor University in Waco, TX where he received a Bachelor Degree in Business. Following college Ted served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the 45th Infantry Division. He was wounded on June 20, 1952 during the battle of "Pork Chop Hill". Ted was awarded wiht the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Occupational Medal (Japan), Korean Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star, United Nation Service Medal. Ted was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant First Class. He remained with the US Army Ready Reserves after his discharge. Following his military duties Ted returned to central Texas where he ranched with his father. He married LeNell Enochs in 1955 at Clifton, TX. They made their home on a ranch southwest of Fort Sumner in 1958. LeNell died in an automobile accident on September 9, 1988. Ted was active in the Fort Sumner community as a past member of the De Baca General Hospital Board, Fort Sumner school board, a 32nd degree Mason, and a longtime board member and current president of the Fort Sumner Cemetery Association. Ted married Frances Berard in 1989 at Fort Sumner. Ted was a member and deacon at the First Baptist Church. He enjoyed fly fishing, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. He was preceded in death by his wife LeNell McCollum on September 9, 1988; his parents, and a Great-grandson Jon Daniel Gilbert Jr. on April 23, 1998. Survivors include his wife Frances McCollum of the home in Fort Sumner; a daughter Martha Gilbert and husband Danny of Alto, NM; two sons Ted McCollum III and wife Deborah of Amarillo, TX; Mark McCollum and wife Kim of Fort Sumner; a step-son Ken Berard and wife Carina of Las Cruces, NM; one sister Frances Allbright and husband W.T. of Andrews, TX; three granddaughters Shelby McCollum; Rae McCollum; and Megan McCollum; five grandsons Ryan McCollum, J.T. Gilbert, Lukas Gilbert, Matt Gilbert, and Jacob Gilbert. Also surviving are 3 Great-grandchildren along with other relatives and many friends. Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Monday, January 20, 2003 from the First Baptist Church in Fort Sumner with Rev. Coy Brewer officiating. Burial will follow in the McCollum family plot, Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ryan McCollum, J.T. Gilbert, Lukas Gilbert, Matt Gilbert, Jacob Gilbert, and Ken Berard. Honorary bearers will include the Deacons of the First Baptist Church, Masons, and all his friends in the ranching community. Visitation will be Sunday from 1PM to 7PM at the Chavez Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 804 North Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (505) 355-2311