Peter M. "Pete" McCollum, 71, of South Bend, IN passed away on Friday August 7, 2026 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN after a sudden and brief illness.

Pete was born on April 14, 1955 to Cecil McCollum and Janette (Schaber) McCollum of New Carlisle, IN, who preceded Him in death. He was also preceded in death by His Son Michael McCollum, and two nephews, Chad McCollum and Fred Hudson.

Pete attended New Prairie Schools and was a graduate of Washington HS in South Bend. Pete worked as a Truck Driver for Eagle Products, Inc.  for several years; for Ritschard Bros. Excavating for many years; later returning to work for Eagle Products with His Boss and great Friend who became family, John Cocquyt.  Pete is much beloved by the Cocquyt Family, and Pete's family is so grateful to them for loving Pete the way they do.

Pete could fix practically anything, and if He couldn't, he always knew a guy who could. He was always on the move, working tirelessly, sometimes 7 days a week. His work ethic was strong, and he accepted nothing less from anyone else.  His expectations were high, only because he wanted to see a person succeed. He did not suffer fools, and he expected one to live up to their full potential.

Pete loved just about anything with a motor. Dirt bikes and motorcycles to begin with, fast cars, tractors, trucks, Jeeps, heavy equipment, and later on, His beloved side-by-sides. Did I mention Trucks?

Pete Loved Life. He loved His Family. He very much loved kids and animals, especially His cats. They all loved Him back. Pete had a servant's heart. If he saw that someone needed help, he helped in any way he could. No one, especially a child, went without if Pete could help it. He was the parent who got up and took the girls to their early Saturday morning volleyball games, cheered them on, and took them to McDonald's after. Later, He would show up at Heather's Friday night softball games, making all kinds of noise, which endeared Him with the other girls on the team.

Anytime He called you, or if you called Him, the first thing out of His mouth was "How Ya Doin'?' He cared so much for His loved ones, for both His Family and His Friends, and also for Friends of Family. Pete "Fixed stuff and he knew things". Too much to count.....

We all know that it was a privilege to know Him, to love and be loved by Him, and to have Him for as long as we did.......even though it was just not long enough.

Pete married Christine M. (DeLater) McAbee on August 13, 1982. She survives along with their daughter, Heather C. (McAbee) Vernasco. He is survived by Sisters Karen Dewey of Niles, MI, Mary Hayes of LaPorte, IN, Kathy McCollum and Karol Wright of New Carlisle, IN, and Paula Mullet of DesArc, AR;  Sisters-in-Law Pattie Bittles of N. Dakota, Debbie Demien of Plymouth, IN,; by Brothers in Law Daniel and Andrew Demien, and Michael Bittles of N. Dakota. He is survived by Nieces Sandra Williams, Donna Jean, Lisa Mejia, Theresa McDonald, Katrina Dillehay, and Jolene Mullett; Nephews Andrew Hudson, Larry Hayes, Tommy Wright, Jacob Mullett, Alex M. Bittles, Dawson Demien, and Keegan Demien, along with several great-nieces and nephews, including a very special Great-Nephew Benjamin Hayes. Pete was also close with Family in Colorado, in particular, a special cousin Steven McCollum.

Pete's legacy of Hard Work, Story Telling, Good Times, Generosity, Kindness, Pranks, Antics, Jokes, Sayings, Sleep-talking, interesting walking moves, and Love will live on through the Memories He leaves behind in the Hearts of His Family, and in His Legion of Friends. To quote the Angel Clarence in Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life..."Remember, NO Man is a Failure who HAS Friends".

Pete was a fantastic Success.

In keeping with Pete's wishes, in Lieu of a traditional funeral, he preferred a party. Friends are invited to join His Family in Celebration of His Well Lived Life on Saturday August 15, 2:00pm, at the American Legion Post 284, 23571 Grant Rd, South Bend, IN, 46619. 

Pete's Family would like to thank Dr Luke White, and the entire staff of the Memorial Hospital I.C.U. for the extraordinary support and care of Pete, and for all of the kindness extended to His family and friends.

Hanley and Sons Funeral home is assisting Pete's family with arrangements and extend heartfelt sympathy to all of his family and friends. 

8/10/2026 JEC

https://www.hanleyandsonsfuneralhomes.com/obituary/PeterMPete-McCollum