10/14/2026
With heartfelt sorrow, our family shares that Brian Collum, a United States Army veteran and retired Tulsa police officer, died on October 13 at 5:43 p.m. from complications of an aneurysm.
Words seem far too small for what our hearts are carrying. How do we begin to describe the loss of someone whose place in our family can never be filled? How do we put into words the love and the memories we shared?
What matters most: our love for Brian. We are grateful for his life. And we will miss him more than we can adequately express.
Brian’s service in the U.S. Army and with the Tulsa Police Department were meaningful parts of his life. The service to our county and the Tulsa community was important. Brian’s greatest passion was assisting his fellow veterans, making sure they received the benefits they deserved. Brian’s motto was “You served, you deserve.”
We also recognize that behind those titles was a person whose life meant so much to the people who knew and loved him.
For us, Brian was part of our conversations, our gatherings, our memories, and our sense of family. His place among us cannot be summed up by a uniform, a career, or even a few carefully chosen words.
His absence will be felt in ways both large and small. There will be moments when we want to tell him something, hear his voice, or simply know that he is there. There will be familiar occasions that feel different because he is missing. And there will be unexpected reminders that bring both a smile and a wave of sorrow.
As we begin to face our loss, we want to express our gratitude to everyone who has reached out with love, prayers, condolences, and offers of help. Whether you have called, sent a message, shared a memory, or quietly held our family in your thoughts, your kindness matters. We may not be able to respond to every message, but please know that we receive your care with grateful hearts.
To those who knew Brian through his military service, his years with the Tulsa Police Department, or his work at the veteran center. Thank you for remembering him and for honoring the part of his life you shared. Memories matter. Each of you hold a piece of Brian, not only the record of what Brian did, but the memory of who he was.
We ask for patience and understanding as our family grieves. We would like you to honor our privacy during this time.
There are no words that can take away this loss, but there is comfort in knowing that we do not have to carry it alone.
Today, we are not ready to say everything that might someday be said about him. Today, we are grieving and we request that you honor our request so we, as a family can share our time together.
Brian, thank you for your service, for your place in our family, and for the life we were able to share with you. We wish there had been more time—more conversations, more ordinary days, and more opportunities to tell you what you meant to us.
We will miss you deeply. We will speak your name. We will tell your stories. And we will carry our love for you into the days ahead.
With love and gratitude,

The family of Brian Collum
