Bob Ed Culver

Bob Ed Culver, 79, a life-long resident of Tahlequah, OK died Wednesday, October 16, 2013. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, October 18 at 2:00 pm at The First United Methodist Church in Tahlequah with Pastor James Graham officiating. Burial will be under the direction of Reed-Culver Funeral Home of Tahlequah.

Bob Ed graduated from Central High School in 1952. He attended Northeastern State University graduating in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He then graduated from Gupton-Jones Mortuary School in Dallas, TX in 1959.

Bob Ed was the former owner and operator of Reed-Culver Funeral home, where he began his career in 1957 and retired in 1976. From 1990 to 2000, he served as Oklahoma State Representative, District 4. He also served the Tahlequah Fire Department over 30 years and established and served as director of the Civil Defense program for the community.

He was involved in many organizations including the Tahlequah Chamber of Commerce and was "Outstanding Citizen of Tahlequah" in 1960. He was a 54 year member of Masonic Lodge #10, a member of the Bedouin Shrine, and also a member of the Royal Order of Jesters. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Tahlequah.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Love and Mildred Ione Culver, two brothers, L.L. Culver and Joe Culver, and his mother-in-law, Rebecca Marie Priest.

Bob Ed is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jo Ellen Priest Culver and 4 children: Bob Ed Jr. and Julie Culver of Canadian, TX; Kimberly Sue Culver and David Ballew of Broken Arrow, OK; Rebecca Ione Culver and Tim Randolph of St. Louis, MO; and David Lawrence and Christina Culver of Bartlesville, OK. He is survived by 11 grandchildren: Capp Arrington Culver; Cade Robert Culver and wife Danielle; Carlee Jane Culver and husband, Randy; Cassandra Jo Ballew; Drake Culver Ballew; Culver Marie Randolph; Casey Caroline Randolph; John Robert "J.R." Culver; Olivia Elaine Culver; Gabrielle Joyce Culver; Vivian Grace Culver; and many special nieces and nephews.

Bob Ed Culver was truly one of the most special people, that took great joy in helping and serving his community. One of his close friends said "Bob was a loving, light hearted, funny and stubborn man that never met a stranger". The world will be left a better place w/ the many lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for Diabetes: 825 N.E. 13th, Oklahoma City, Ok 73104

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