Ernest McCollum

Ernest (Ernie) Newton McCollum of Twin Falls, 85, passed away early in the morning December 14, 2017.

Ernie was born near Imboden, Arkansas on December 6, 1932, to William Carl and Margaret Louise McCollum. He lived on a farm and graduated high school from Muskogee, Oklahoma in 1950. Ernie attended Panhandle A & M College in Oklahoma before serving his country in the U.S. Army for two years in Fort Polk, Louisiana, and Fort Campbell, Kentucky. After serving in the Army, he continued his education at the University of Idaho, earning a degree in agriculture.

Ernie married Eleanor Reichert in 1956, and two daughters, Teri and Lisa came from this union. They later divorced. He married Pauline Moore and helped raise her daughter, Julie, as his own.

Ernie loved the soil and enhancing the production of farmland. He helped start the Crop and Soil Technology program at Idaho State University. Ernie relished teaching and had a unique teaching style that made the subject relevant to his students. He spent several years as a soil conservationist with the government and assisted many farmers in the Magic Valley. 

After retirement, Ernie volunteered with the Office of Aging, driving folks to appointments and shopping excursions. He involved himself with his church family and shared his time, money, and resources with missionaries around the world and at home. His hobbies included spending time with friends and maintaining a private pilot's license. Ernie had a gift of hospitality verified by his many friends and acquaintances.

His parents, siblings Bill and Betty, and wife Pauline preceded Ernie in death. His brother John, daughters Teri (Ron) Moody, Lisa (Rusty) Kennedy, Julie (Tim) Munneke, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many, many friends and colleagues survive him.

Friends may call at a visitation to be held Friday, December 22, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, December 23, at 11:00 a.m.at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home.

Ernie's family wishes to thank the professionals of St. Luke's Hospice Service who ministered to Ernie during his last days, especially his dear nurse Erin. Also, we recognize the caring folks of Brookdale and commend them. Instead of flowers, donations to Ernie's Rock Creek Community Church or the charity of one's would be a fitting memorial for Ernie.