Claude Udell McCollum

Claude Udell McCollum, 71, of Salem, Arkansas, passed away on November 9, 2025, in Salem, Arkansas. He was born on May 28, 1954, in Thayer, Missouri, to Jerl Roland McCollum and Goldie Alta (Pitchford) McCollum.

Claude was united in marriage to Deloris Diane Branscum in 1973 in Salem, Arkansas. They shared many wonderful years together before her passing. He worked for thirty years as a machinist for DeGroft Manufacturing, where he was known for his dedication and skill.

Claude loved his family deeply and was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed watching westerns and wrestling on television and spending time with family playing board games. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, love for family, and the kindness he showed to everyone around him.

He is survived by two sons, Bryan McCollum (Elizabeth) of Salem, Arkansas, and Stacy McCollum (Patricia) of Salem, Arkansas; six grandchildren, Brooklyn Cope (Dylan), Christian McCollum, Keely Brewer (Matthew), Austin McCollum (Rebekah), Britney McCollum (Dalton Dillard), and Braxton Hutson; and six great-grandchildren, Cash Cope, Kinley McCollum, Adam Brewer, Claire McCollum, Alice Brewer, and Abel Brewer. He is also survived by his brother, Willard McCollum (Judy) of Judsonia, Arkansas; six sisters, Jerlene Sisney (Truman) of Ash Flat, Arkansas, Wanda Lambert (Les) of Ash Flat, Arkansas, Martha McCollum of Ash Flat, Arkansas, Joyce Cherry of Agnos, Arkansas, Brenda White of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and Rhonda Young (Darin) of Salem, Arkansas; along with many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Deloris Diane McCollum; daughter, Jodi Diane Hutson; parents, Jerl and Goldie McCollum; two brothers, Harold Ray McCollum and Clyde David McCollum; and two great-grandsons, Carter Cope and Calvin McCollum.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Fairview Cemetery in Salem, Arkansas with Bro. Rick Hellums officiating. Pallbearers will be Austin McCollum, Matthew Brewer, Scott Lambert, Christian McCollum, Dalton Dillard, David Warden, Dylan Cope, and Braxton Hutson.

Memorials may be made to Barker Funeral Home to help offset funeral expenses. Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.

Claude will be remembered for his unwavering love of family, his hard work, and the warmth he shared with all who knew him.