Vernon Dale “Rusty” McCollaum died Jan. 24, 2017, at his home.

He was born March 28, 1947, in Miami, Ariz., to Felix and Ellen McCollaum. He moved his family to Washington state in 1976 and settled in Wilkeson, where he lived for 40 years. He worked in construction as a cement mason. He was employed by Gary Marlino Construction of Seattle for 25 years until his retirement in 2006. Interests included fishing, hunting, camping, playing horseshoes and gambling. Retirement years were mostly spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and sitting in a chair in his backyard watching the creek.

He survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandra M. McCollaum of Wilkeson; son Edward McCollaum (Heather) of Carbonado; daughter Lauryssa Young (William) of Bonney Lake; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by eldest son Vernon D. McCollaum II and granddaughter Josephine M. McCollaum.

Burial was Feb. 3 at Wilkerson City Cemetery.