Mark Richard McCollem

October 25, 1955 - July 29, 2024

Mark is Survived by his three sisters; Michelle Sokel (Dale, deceased), nieces Lauren Sokel Burke, and Kristin Sokel. Jacqueline Abell (William). Cheryl Erickson (Karl), niece Melissa Erickson and nephews James Erickson, and Dustin Erickson.

Born in Kansas City, to his Father James Richard and Mother Gloria June McCollem.

Mark and his family moved together to Ft Lauderdale in 1969. His father was a significant commercial, and award winning residential developer in the infancy of the growth of Ft Lauderdale.

After graduating from High School in Ft Lauderdale, Mark continued his education at The Citadel, in Charleston, SC, 1973-1977. He was a distinguished Military student; on the President’s List, Dean’s List and the Sword Drill. He was a Company Commander in both Company A and B. He graduated with a Distinguished Full Army Commission.

He entered the service in 1975 as a 2nd Lieutenant while still in college at The Citadel. Upon graduating, he entered US Army active duty, in 1977 and was promoted to First Lieutenant, awarded Parachutist Badge.

Trained in airborne operations and rose to the rank of Jumpmaster, which represented both the airlift and the ground forces commander, a key role in the success in the overall airborne operations. He made over 40 parachute jumps during his career.

He had duty assignments in the Army Top Secret Nuclear Program as a weapons team leader in South Korea and the 1st Battalion 320th Field Artillery 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg where he was Awarded an Honorable Discharge in May 1983.

Awarded The Joint Service Commendation Medal in February 13, 1979 for Meritorious Service in his duties as Nuclear Fire Support Team Chief Leader in Korea.

Mark then entered Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law, and he graduated in 1983. After passing the Bar Exam in Florida, he practiced Personal Injury Law in Ft Lauderdale for years. He was forced to restrict his career and practice of law due to increased physical injuries from his Military years. He was eventually designated as 100% Disabled by the VA.

After retiring from his law practice, he relocated to Clearwater for his remaining years.

Services have been postponed to a later date.

Interment will be private. Memorial contributions in his name are appreciated to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, www.t2t.org .