Aubrey William McCollam

                                                                                        Aubrey William McCollam

                                                                                February 10, 1983 – January 3, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Aubrey McCollam on January 3, 2025, at the age of 41. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at home after a two-year battle with brain cancer, with his girlfriend, Melinda Salazar, by his side. Melinda, who met Aubrey just months prior, became a true blessing to him and his family, providing care and comfort during his final days.

Aubrey was born on February 10, 1983, in Independence, Kansas, to Greg McCollam and Michelle McCollam. He grew up in Elk City, Kansas, where he enjoyed riding bikes with his brother, working for the city’s trash service, and forming lifelong friendships. He graduated from Elk Valley High School in 2002 and pursued various careers, including roles as an oil hand, a corrections officer for Montgomery County, and positions at Overhead Doors, Cessna, and Acme Foundry.

Aubrey dated Stacey Tanner, and together they had one daughter, Faythe McCollam. Later, Aubrey married Timberly Benson in 2011, and together they had one daughter, Hunter McCollam. Though Aubrey and Timberly later divorced, they remained friends.

In his free time, Aubrey enjoyed weightlifting, fishing, and having deep conversations with friends. He had a passion for cars, especially Mustangs, and an interest in firearms, which he loved learning about and collecting. In recent years, he enjoyed lunches at Casey’s Creations and evenings at Uncle Jack’s, where he formed friendships with the staff and many people he met along the way.

Aubrey is survived by his father, Greg McCollam, and stepmother, Jynell McCollam; his mother, Michelle McCollam; his daughters, Faythe and Hunter McCollam; his brother, Bobby McCollam; his sisters, Hope McCollam and Candice Moyer; his stepsister, Marci Croney; his stepbrother, Buddy Croney; and his half-brothers, Shawn and Nick McCollam; and a host of nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Elisa and Patti at Harry Hynes Hospice of Coffeyville, Kansas, for their care and support.

A memorial service will be held on January 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Elk City Church of the Nazarene.

The family kindly requests donations to support Aubrey’s daughters’ education. Contributions can be made through GoFundMe at gofundme.com/help-secure-college-dreams-for-nieces.