Marion Francis Culver, 97, Topeka, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at Midland Hospice House.
Marion was born November 28, 1916 to John and Orabelle (Morse) Culver in Gulfport, MS, the youngest of four brothers. He was raised in Jackson, MS and moved to New Orleans, LA where he graduated from Fortier High School.
He joined the Army-Air Corps in 1942 and was a Bombardier/Navigator with service in WWII, flying 36 missions. He retired from the Air Force in 1963 at the rank of Major.
He went on to become the Manager of the Topeka Municipal Auditorium. While working in the Kansas office of Economic Development, Marion was responsible for bringing a number of companies to the State of Kansas. He later retired from the State in 1985.
Marion married Marie Newton Watson of Midland, TX in 1946. After many transfers in the Air Force, they moved to Topeka in 1954.While Marion started college courses at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, he was never able to complete his degree due to multiple transfers. He later obtained an Associate Degree in Mathematics and Earth Science at the age of 85 from Washburn University in 2001 of which he was most proud.
Marion was extremely active all of his 97 years - still singing in the
choir at University United Methodist Church, weekly bridge groups, bingo player, voracious reader, daily monitoring of the stock market, played golf into his 80s, and spending summers at Vallecito Lake, CO. He considered himself a lucky man and was known to be outgoing, always having a story to tell and a good word to say about everyone.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Marie; daughter Elaine Wellborn, Topeka; son David (Libby) Culver, Durango, CO; grandson Michael (Danica) Culver, and their son Lucas; grandson Josh (Annabelle) Culver; granddaughter Angela Wellborn; grandson Justin (Dawn Thatcher) Watson and their son William Oliver; three step-grandchildren, Hoytt, Hugh, and Betsy Boles; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A Memorial service will be held at11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at University United Methodist Church. Private family burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2014.
Memorial contributions may be made to University United Methodist Church, 1621 SW College, Topeka, KS 66604.
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