On June 12, 2022, Colin James McCullough, beloved father of five, died peacefully in his home at the age of 73. 

   Colin was born on July 5, 1948 to Thomas and Jean (Cosgrove) McCullough. He was the eldest son and brother to their eleven children; Julia Roth (deceased); Margaret Grantham (deceased) (Mark); Thomas McCullough (deceased); Mary McCullough (deceased); Tom (Janet) McCullough of Cedar Rapids, IA; Molly Jorgenson (Ron) of Storm Lake, IA; Brian McCullough (deceased); Erin McCullough (Rich Eberle) of Lake View, Iowa; Lisa Toscano (André) of Manhattan Beach, CA; and Peter McCullough of Jefferson, IA. 

   He was preceded in death by his parents, five siblings, and best friend Tom Treinen.

   Colin is survived by his children and grandchildren Cathlin McCullough and her children Henry and Cleo Perakos of Austin, TX; Megan McCullough and her son Jack McCloskey of Park Ridge, IL; Patrick McCullough, wife Kristen Connolly McCullough, and their children Ashlyn and Cameron McCullough of Rockville, MD; Erin McCullough of St. Louis, MO; and Anne McCullough.

   Colin was generous with a brilliant smile and a funny joke, not always of the appropriate kind. He made friends quickly, and would fight tooth and nail in defense of someone who needed his help. His life’s passion was the law: he was a bulldog in the courtroom, a smooth talker, and a studied attorney, traits that led to winning most cases he was involved in. A graduate of Creighton University School of Law and recently retired, Colin practiced law for 48 years, learning the ropes from his Father, and after a time, taking over the McCullough Law Firm in Sac City. Colin provided pro bono legal services to many friends and family, in addition to his other matters small and large.  In a notable recent federal lawsuit, Colin and a team of lawyers successfully defended local drainage districts against a multi-million dollar lawsuit filed by Des Moines Water Works. 

   Colin had a big heart, was giving of his time and talent, and would always listen. He offered the best advice, and of course, he was always right. He inherited his strong will from his Mother, and also shared in her love and admiration for Native American Art and Artifacts.

   Colin traveled the world with his friends and family, always up for an adventure, usually walking 10 steps ahead of you chatting up the locals. He was a cancer survivor, and if he could, he’d tell you to quit smoking. He was an avid huntsman, fisherman, and trapper of local squirrels. He was a nature lover and taught his children to love the outdoors. He loved his law practice, he loved Iowa, and most importantly he loved his family. And as so many of us do, he had his fair share of struggles, but he was a private person and never wanted to burden anyone with his problems. 

   Colin will be remembered for many things, by many people, and for that his family is grateful. He made an impact on this world, often fighting the good fight, and he enjoyed life. He wanted more than anything for his children to live a big joyous life, believe in themselves, and have a damn good time along the way.