Frank Howard Collura

Frank Howard Collura, current resident of Greensburg/Easleyville, LA, former Baton Rouge, LA resident, and a native of Hammond, LA, passed away on Thursday, October 20, at the age of 74 after a short but courageous battle with brain cancer. Frank was born August 18, 1948 to the late Fire Chief, Vito Bonnie Collura and the late Rita June Bonvillian Collura.

Frank is a graduate of Hammond High School and went on to earn a degree from Southeastern Louisiana University. He then served in the Navy from 1970 to 1974 as an instrument flight instructor. Following family tradition, firefighting was in his blood. Frank worked and volunteered with the Hammond Fire Department from 1966 to 1970. After returning from the Navy, Frank volunteered with the St. George Fire Department in Baton Rouge for 32 years where he served from black hat to District Chief to Commissioner. Concurrently, while employed with Ethyl Corporation, he served on their fire team. He was also a track fire member at Talladega and Daytona Speedways. At the time of his passing, Frank was also a member of the North Helena Volunteer Fire Department.

After 38 years, Frank retired from full employment as an Engineering Manager of Ethyl/Albemarle Corporation. He continued "working" as owner/proprietor of Razorback Bushhog and Dirtwork. Frank also "worked" as a technician with Amite Fire and Safety and at the St. Helena Council on Aging. Frank stayed on the move, living by his belief: The Grim Reaper has trouble hitting a moving target. Frank loved the song Don't Let the Old Man In, which was written by Toby Keith about Frank's favorite actor, Clint Eastwood. Frank’s favorite flag is the U.S. Navy Jack and he endeavored to have it flying as much as possible. Frank valued and wore his dog tags every day of his life. Frank was a planner and, at times, some would say he did so to a fault, only to then retract that sentiment when the results of his plans came forth. He was such a planner that he even wrote the majority of this obituary several years ago.

Frank is survived by his former wife, Ermyne Seale Collura Teekell, his two children, Katey McCann and husband, Jason, and Frank R. "Chip" Collura and wife, Dawn Nagle Collura. His children blessed him with 4 precious grandsons, Hunter, Jacob, Trey, and Bryce, as well as Dawn's two son's, Dylan and Ryan. Frank is further survived by two siblings and their families: his sister, Bonnie June and brother-in-law, David Armstrong and their family, and his brother (and best friend) Paul David Collura and Paul's family. Frank is also survived by his loving partner and friend, Tammy Burgh. Additionally, Frank is survived by close friend, Susie Lott.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, October 26 from 8:00am-11:00am at McKneely and Sons Funeral Home in Hammond, LA with services beginning at 11:00am. Burial will immediately follow at Rose Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Hunter McCann, Jacob McCann, Trey McCann, Chris Collura, Jaden Collura, and Connor Power. Honorary Pallbearer will be Bryce Collura. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a charity that Frank fully supported. Special thanks to all who took such great care of Frank, especially the memory care unit at The Phoenix Of Hammond, Modern Hospice, and Frank's personal caregivers.