Dennis Lee "Buckwheat" McCollum

KALIDA - Dennis Lee "Buckwheat" McCollum, 62, of Kalida, died at home on Friday, December 23, 2022.  He was born on February 6, 1960, in Lima to Robert and Donna (Shirey) McCollum.  His father precedes him in death, his mother survives in Kalida.  On October 16, 1982, Denny married Marilyn Fortman, his high school sweetheart, who survives in Kalida.

Denny is also survived by three sons: Dean (Dana) McCollum of Pittsburgh, PA., Doug (Rachel) McCollum of Hartland, MI., and Jason (Fiance Lindsey Garabrandt) McCollum of Toledo; grandchildren: Hayden and Shane McCollum, Brooklyn and Brendan Garabrandt; siblings: Linda (Dave) Schimmoeller, Roger (Mac) McCollum, and Chuck McCollum, all of Kalida; inlaws: Bev (Bob) Wolke, Pat (Steve) Nathanson, Mike (Jane) Fortman, and Ron (Deb) Fortman; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Denny was employed at Unverferth Manufacturing for over 44 years.  He was currently the shipping and receiving supervisor.  Denny served on the Kalida Volunteer Fire Department.  He had just recently received his 35-year pin for his active years of service, holding various roles including Captain, Lieutenant, and Heavy Rescue board.  He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Kalida K of C, Holy Name, and Kalida Fish and Game.

He enjoyed spending time with his boys and grandchildren, family vacations, woodworking, tinkering in his shop and fishing.  He was a C-league baseball coach for his boys, enjoyed cheering on soccer and helping with Marching Band Pit Crew.  He always enjoyed helping with scout outings from Cub Scouts through guiding all three of his boys to Eagle Scout.  His grandchildren were the light of his life. In spring he would be busy rolling lawns and would start some remodeling project on his house or on the home of one of his boys.

Everyone knew Buckwheat and he would always help anyone out when they asked.  He was selfless and a friend to all.  He was a dedicated Husband, Father, Grandfather, Fireman, Worker, and Friend.  He was a role model to all who knew him and will be missed by many.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Kalida with Fr. Nathan Bockrath officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township and again on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Kalida Fire Department, Ohio Division of Wildlife, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com

Kalida Fire Department
Kalida OH

Ohio Division of Wildlife
2045 Morse Rd. Bldg G-1, Columbus OH 43229

Donor's Choice