Lawrence Culver
Lawrence “Larry” John Culver, 88, of Upper Sandusky, died on Dec. 29, 2020, at Marion General Hospital from COVID-19 complications.
He was born April 16, 1932, in Toledo, to the late Laura Blejster Culver. He had been married to Diane Kauble and Sandy White, who both preceded him in death.
Larry had an extremely hard childhood becoming an orphan at the age of 11, which prompted his admission to Toledo Children Services, where his brother George “rescued” him after several months. (George brought Larry into his household and raised him until adulthood, forever forging their close bond). However, it was these early childhood hardships that made Larry the person he was. He had compassion and respect for everyone that he met, no matter their walk of life. He had a tremendous ability to bring levity to any setting and to make a stranger feel like they were his best friend. He would give his last dime (and many times he did) to a friend in need. His zeal for living life was inspiring.
He was an extremely avid OSU football fan having not missed an OSU home game for over 30 years despite not being a season ticket holder. His creativity and determination always led to him securing a ticket. In his younger years, there were OSU football weekends that required desperate measures to get money for a ticket, such as selling his wife’s bowling ball. Larry claimed the bowling ball had a flat side to it. He also visited all the stadiums in the Big 10 (back when there were 10 teams in the Big 10) and went to many bowl games to watch his beloved Buckeyes. Every fall Larry would tell anyone who would listen that “this year’s team is the best he has seen.”
He also enjoyed fishing and golfing, but most of all he loved Sunday morning coffee with his buddies. He was an exceptionally good cook and enjoyed cooking prime rib, baby back ribs and chicken wings.
Larry would often say “If I could live life over, I’d do it just like I did. I had hard times at times but had a lot of fun and laughs – Go Bucks.”
He was a 1951 graduate of Upper Sandusky High School, although he completed the required work and received his GED some 50 years later, of which he was immensely proud. He entered the United States Navy on May 9, 1951, (at the age of 17 – that is a story for another day) and was discharged on May 4, 1955.
He was a plasterer by trade working for Galen Kauble in the 1960s where he took pride in decorative molding repair. He continued with this trade until his early 80s, often doing small repair projects around Upper Sandusky. He was employed as a supervisor at Westinghouse for 10 years before becoming a co-owner/operator with Jay Simonson of the former Mid-way/Gaslight Lounge around 1970. The Gaslight Lounge was the place to go in the early 1970s, with Jay providing entertainment with his musical talents and Larry providing the “muscle.” Later he was co-owner of Bolish Restaurant that later became The Pour House, which is now Shotzy’s.
Mr. Culver was a life member of AmVets #777 where he was past commander and served as a trustee for several years, a life member of VFW where he was past commander, a life member of BPOE #83 and member of Eagles Lodge. Mr. Culver was affiliated with St. Paul Lutheran Church where he served as an usher.
Surviving are his children, Penny Culver, Houston, Texas; Rex (Mary Kay) Culver, Sylvania; Gayle Culver, Spring, Texas; and Judd (Shae) Culver, Upper Sandusky; grandchildren, Olivia (Matt), Nile, Nolan (Jessy), Lars, Leanne, John Joseph, Blake and Ava; and great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Peyton, Khloe, Kaden, Gwendolyn and Tex.
He is preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Edward Culver and George John Culver.
Considering the COVID-19 pandemic there will not be a viewing or funeral service. The family plans to have graveside services and a celebration of Larry’s life in Upper Sandusky at a date and time to be determined in 2021.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Food Pantry in care of Bringman Clark Funeral Home 226 E. Wyandot Avenue, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351.
To extend a condolence or share a memory visit www.BringmanClark.com.
