Thomas A. McCollister

Thomas A. McCollister, 71, of Zanesville, died January 17, 2017 at Genesis Morrison House, with his wife by his side, following a short, courageous battle with lung cancer. Tom was born October 1, 1945, a son of the late Cary Eugene Mac McCollister and Esther Virgene Thomas McCollister. Tom was a graduate of Zanesville High School (1963), and Ohio University where he obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with a major in Graphic Design. He served his Country in the United States Navy for four years of active duty where he attained the rank of Engineer Aid Draftsman, Petty Officer Second Class (E5), serving two tours in Vietnam, and earned the following awards: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Fleet Marine Force Combat Operations Insignia with 3 Campaign Stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Before being forced into disability in the early 2000s, due to a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis, Tom spent many years as a Draftsman and Graphic Designer with several locally owned businesses, creating fine art, commercial art and production art. Prior to his disability, Tom often met with friends, co-workers, and fellow artists after work, for food, drinks, and laughter, where many great memories were made. Tom created many pieces of art work that were accepted into art shows and won many awards. Many pieces of his art work hang in private homes, businesses, galleries and foundations. Tom was a longtime member of the Archeological Society of Ohio and had several articles published in the quarterly Ohio Archaeologist Magazine. He enjoyed collecting and discussing Indian Artifacts with society members. He was also a long time member during his active years of the ZHS Quarterback Club, and the Zanesville Museum of Art. He and Susan enjoyed traveling and another of Toms passions, photography, where he would take photos of the beautiful landscape that is provided us throughout the Country. Tom is survived by his spouse and best friend, Susan Rae Sayre McCollister, who he married in June of 1974. A brother, E. Scott (Shirley) McCollister, two sisters, Judith (Chris) Warsinskey and Mary Beth (Kevin) Upton, brother-in-law Colin (Gail) Detty, sisters-in-law Glenda (Robin) Rhinehart and Denise (Audge) Crawford, his mother-in-law Bernice Rank, and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and great great nieces and great great nephews. Tom has many many close friends, too numerous to mention, but dear to his heart. Tom will be remembered for his sense of humor and his thumb trick. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a great nephew, Ian McCollister. The family would like to thank the caring and compassionate team at The Cancer Center, Palliative Care, Genesis Hospice, and the care givers with Home Instead. The Zanesville area is truly blessed to have these services available in such a time of need. The family wishes to honor Toms last request, to be cremated with no calling hours, there will be a private memorial service for the family, In lieu of flowers, Tom asks memorial contributions be made to Genesis Hospice, 713 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, Oh 43701; Multiple Sclerosis Society, Buckeye Chapter, 6155 Rockside Road, Suite 202, Independence, OH 44131; The American Red Cross, Southeast Ohio, 7650 East Pike, Norwich, OH 43767; The Archeological Society of Ohio 6478 Winchester Blvd., Suite 120, Canal Winchester, OH 43110, or the charity of ones choice. Dignified and professional services entrusted to BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 1271 Blue Avenue, Zanesville, Ohio. To send a note of condolence visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com , follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.