Christopher Lee McCollum
Christopher Lee McCollum, born on August 26, 1972, in Seoul, South Korea, passed away on May 30, 2024, in O’Fallon, MO.
A loving husband, father, son, and friend, Christopher touched the lives of many with his kind heart and infectious laughter. He will be remembered for his quiet nature, his quick wit, and his generous spirit.
Christopher had a passion for staying active and could often be found working out or riding his motorcycle. He cherished the time he spent with his family and friends, making lasting memories that will be treasured forever.
His love for Mexican cuisine and BBQ was unmatched, and he enjoyed savoring his favorite dishes whenever possible. Christopher also had a deep appreciation for music, with Dirty Heads being one of his favorite bands.
Christopher’s notable achievements included serving in the Air Force and pursuing a career as a Mechanical Engineer. He was a dedicated professional and took pride in his work.
He leaves behind his beloved son Zachary McCollum, whom he cherished dearly. Christopher is also survived by his mother, Virginia Woods, who loved him unconditionally.
In remembrance of Christopher, please share your favorite memory of him in the comments below. His life motto, “Oh My Fuck!”, will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Christopher will never be forgotten.
Chris is my brother and I love him dearly. It took time but we got to know one another and truly became brother and sister. One of my favorite memories with him is when he asked me if I was batting my eyes and swishing my butt to get guys attention. Chris had a great sense of humor and was always teasing me. I miss you so much already Chris.
Chris started as my neighbor and ended up a best friend. I always looked forward to hanging out with him and telling stories while we enjoyed drinks in the garage bar or Mark’s deck. So many memories of great times together. Until next time “Diver down”!
Chris and I decided to make a mad dash motorcycle run from Seattle to Oregon. We left at night and made it in about 4 hours. He was slow and scared but we made it. That ma was truly a good good man. Life will never be the same.
I can’t believe it! We were neighbors and worked together for McNeilus Companies. I used to teased him and called him Baldy Locks. Rest in peace my friend!🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Kathy Hunter
Chris came into my life when he started dating my daughter Memoree in Lakes High School.
He was one of the nicest young men that she had dated . They were always together either at our house or at Paula’s. One day they were going to get married and Chris asked me if I would go with them to pick out her ring ! He said because you’re my mom too!
Chris , I will always love and remember you., Memoree’s Mom
A truly amazing person has left our lives. Chris was a great friend, great coworker and a hard ass Texas hold’em player. We will miss him dearly. RIP my brother. 😭
Chris was my old boss in Washington. He had a great personality and an amazing laugh. We kept in touch over the years and I’ll miss him dearly. Definitely a good soul gone too soon. I hope he’s having a good bike ride in the afterlife right now.
I met Chris when he was in High School. He dated my daughter Memoree. I walked her down the aisle at their wedding. He was a great person. We shared interests of hot rods, weight lifting and of course my daughter and grandson. I remember a day we spent together on his boat with Zachary. What a wonderful day we had. Rest in peace Chris. You will be missed.
What can be said he will always be one of my dearest friends. We laughed, loved and cried together. I will always miss you my brother.
I’m grateful we were able to catch up not long ago. I will always remember your leadership in water polo. Who can forget the PPKA on your LHS Letterman jacket. Rest in peace my friend.
I first met Chris when he worked for Waste Connections. My mobile technician had a truck with a electrical problem between the cab and the engine ECM. I came out to check on my mobile tech and, given the number of hours he had invested in chasing this problem, we felt it would be best for me to meet the maintenance manager and make sure we were all on the same sheet of music. My technician walked me through the maze of toolboxes and rag bins into an office where sat a rather intimidating large fellow. “Paul, this is Chris”. A firm handshake and a smile was all it took; we were destined to go into business and friendship from that moment on.
The years had passed and Chris became a regular customer of mine at the dealership but more importantly, he became a friend. Tough times fell on both of us as fate would have it and we had each other to confide in when needed. Chris would go on to leave the Refuse industry on to a larger role with a different trucking company that had a terminal based not far from my store. Again, Chris appeared this time less stressed and looking for a partnership with a dealership for service and of all the places he could have chose in the St Louis area, he chose to come see me with an opportunity. We worked together for several months and that partnership finally took off and quickly grew to be far larger than anything we both expected. To my knowledge, that partnership still flourishes today.
My mother passed away 2 years ago in August and Chris was in the process of looking for work outside of the trucking industry entirely. The stress from trucking is hard to describe to someone that hasn’t experienced it first hand and not a stress level that is healthy to sustain . Chris hired on with Schaeffer Manufacturing the next month and the relief was easily detectible in his face, his words, and his actions; Chris found his home. The affects of the stress over several years of working, were taking their toll on me as well. I was about at the end of my rope and as I often did, I turned to Chris who unknowingly had accepted the position as my best friend and I said, “Chris, I can’t do it anymore man, I have to get out of here” “Let me see what I can do buddy.”, that’s what Chris said to me. After a few months of interviews, I started my new career (in an office environment no less) with Chris at Schaeffer Manufacturing in St Louis, Mo. The rest is history.
If I would have known that saying goodbye to you that Tuesday was going to be the last time, I would have said something more than, “see you tomorrow”. I am grateful that I did get to spend as much time with you as I did the last week or so talking to you and I will leave you with this: Chris, you are my friend. This experience the last week and a half with you has undoubtedly shaken me to my core. I can tell you the outpouring of support and love from the Schaeffer family is more than you would have ever expected. The office will never be the same my friend and unfortunately we were never able to convince Schaeffer to let us put the drive-thru style window in between our offices. My life will never be the same without you and I thank you for time we spent together.
Love you Big Guy
I still remember to this day you coming and visiting us in Iowa . You and Ed were the best uncles for my three . It was so much fun because you were all so close in age . Loved watching you breakdance on the cardboard. You coming to visit with us after we moved to MO was a great visit also so wish we had more time little brother you are truly missed love ya
Chris was always an exceptional human being. Will always have respect for him. Glad I knew him.
RIP🙏
I met Chris when he worked at McNeilus, we were co workers. When Chris left McNeilus he then became a customer. Chris seemed to have a smile on his face most of the time. I wish I could have gotten to know him outside of work.
Chris was my cousin (1st, I believe)
We didn’t get to know each other very well. On account I just recently became a member of the family. We DID talk a few times and I remember him having some very wise words of advice and he came about his advice with humility. Meaning he didn’t talk to me as though he had ALL the experience and know how on the matter. He spoke from his heart and I could tell that his every word meant well.
Chris, I finally got a bike and just like my stepdad I will pray with you bothewhen my wheels are turning. Love ya.