Roger Dean McCullum

Roger Dean McCullum, 86, formerly of Canton, passed away on August 19, 2024, at his daughter’s residence. Roger was born on October 13, 1937, in Abington. During high school, he was a star quarterback, pitcher and basketball player. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving on the military police force. He later graduated from Western Illinois University. It was here that he met his lifelong friend, Gary Grzanich. He was a teacher, bus driver, tax preparer, insurance salesman, and he also worked summers at Schissler Seed Company and MSD and most recently, Auto Haus of Peoria, where he spent his last eighteen years. Roger loved every day of his life, and he lived it to the fullest. His last day of employment was in January of 2024, as he was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Rumler McCullum, who passed away on November 11, 1989. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Agnes Swedlund, his brother and sister in laws, Bill and Sandra Patterson, Bob and Karen Hartstirn and his beloved grandson, Ricky Hulvey. He is survived by one son, BJ McCullum, of Moberly, Missouri; daughter, Chris (Jason) Edwards, of Dunfermine and last but not least, daughter, Marta McCullum, whose apple fell straight off her father’s tree. His family will forever be grateful to her for keeping their dad’s great sense of humor alive. They truly were “two peas in a pod.” He is also survived by his grandchildren: Judd (Carlee) McCullum of Gilson; Michael (Layne) Hulvey and Stevie Lea Hulvey, both of Canton. Also surviving him are his great grandchildren: Jude Hulvey, Harper Hulvey Sophia Miller and Phoenix Miller, all of Canton, as well as his brother, Sid (Vicky) Swedlund; sister and brother-in-law, Susan (David) Todd, and several nieces and nephews. Roger loved his family more than anything, but it was his grandchildren who forever changed his life. He lead by example not by words, but by actions. For actions truly speak louder. The unconditional love that he showed his family every single day of our lives will never be forgotten. It will never be the same without your presence. Thank you, Memorials may be made to the Peoria Area Honor’s Flight, at PO Box 5072, Peoria, IL 61601, or greaterpeoriahonorflight.org. A private family celebration will follow at a later date, per Roger’s request.