Harry J. Collum Jr.

Harry J. Collum Jr.

October 19, 1952 – July 30, 2024

Harry (Buddy) J. Collum Jr. age 71, a lifelong resident of Monroe, passed away at 10:19 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2024, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio Ebeid Hospice Center in Sylvania, Ohio. He had been in declining health for the past year and seriously ill for the last two months.

Born October 29, 1952, in Monroe, he was the son of the late Harry J. and Elma (Nichols) Collum Sr. Harry attended Monroe High School and worked almost thirty years at North Star Steel, medically retiring in 2005. He married Bonnie Mentel in 1991, sharing each other’s company for more than forty years.

Harry was an avid collector of all things Elvis Presley. For more than thirty-five years, he has amassed memorabilia from compact disks to a life-sized statue of Elvis. Harry also enjoyed not only bowling, golfing, hunting, and playing baseball, but also watching his beloved Tigers and Lions on the television. He spent a good portion of his time in his outdoor sanctuary, the backyard, where he gardened, growing vegetables and flowers, and keeping the weeds to a minimum. Harry played the lottery weekly and was always very diligent to play his Fantasy every week. More than anything, Harry loved his family and cherished the time he shared with them. Whether it was taking a trip to Graceland with his late son, attending Tigers and Mudhens games, or spending time at his brother's cabin, Harry’s enjoyment of his loved ones’ company was obvious.

Harry was preceded in death by his beloved son, Chad (Rebecca) Collum, as well as his parents, grandparents, and many other close family and friends. To cherish his memory, Harry leaves his loving wife, Bonnie Collum; three children: Angela (Rob) Collum, Travis (Krysti) Collum, and Tanness (Justin) Headrick; four brothers, two sisters; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild on the way; many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews; and countless other family and friends.

Family and friends may visit from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, August 5, 2024, at Rupp Funeral Home, 2345 S. Custer Road, Monroe, MI, 48161. In accordance with his wishes, cremation will follow.

Memorial contributions in Harry’s memory are suggested to the family.

Online condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com.