Monte J McCullough

Lt Col. Monte J. McCullough (U.S. Army Retired) 81 passed on Wednesday June 2, 2021 after an extended illness. Monte McCullough grew up in Greencastle graduating from Greencastle High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he would serve for 20 years, 2 months and 6 days. His drive and focus in the Army earned him a fast promotion to E-5 Sgt. in 1961. Upon achieving this rank, he applied and was accepted in Officer Candidate School (OCS) Ft Benning, Ga. He graduated from OCS and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He worked his way up to being promoted to Major in 1973. Decorations and Training: Air Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Expert Rifle and Pistol, 2 times earned Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Expert Infantry Badge, Combat Infantry Badge, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Republic of Vietnam Staff service Medal (1st Class), Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal, Master Parachutist Badge, Vietnam Jump Wings, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Infantry Officer’s, and Advanced Officer’s schools. Airborne, Jungle Operations, Ranger, Special Forces and Language School with a degree in Spanish. In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree while on active duty. Some of his assigned military bases of service were Alaska, 3 tours in Vietnam (1st tour with the 173 Air Borne Brigade, 2 tours with the 5th Special Forces Group). Ft Campbell, Panama, Ft Bragg, Ft Benning and Ft Gordon. In 1973, the Army was reducing its Officer Corp. known as a RIF (Reduction In Forces). As a Major, he experienced this reduction. Due to his understanding of Army regulations which stated, since he had a continuous career with no break in service, he was one of only a few military personnel who were able to continue in the Army on Active Duty at his prior Enlisted Rank of E-5 Sgt. and simultaneously continue his officer’s rank of Major in the Army Reserves. He wore two hats: E-5 Sgt. Monday thru Friday and Major on the weekends of Reserve Drill. He continued this dual roll until his promotion January 1981 in the Army Reserves to Lt Colonel. At that time, he went back to Active Duty as a Lt Colonel. Twelve months later he applied for and was granted retirement as a Lt Col in 1981. After retiring, he relocated to Muncie, to attend Ball State University to work on a master’s degree. During his early time in Muncie, he met two young couples: Dave and Lisa Ferguson (children Elyssa, Erynne, Eliott), Kelly and Danielle Keihn (children Nathaniel, Nicholas, Cecily) becoming part of their families. He was totally devoted to each family, becoming a surrogate brother, uncle, mentor, and friend. He attended every one of the children’s sports event, school functions, pageants, fundraisers, and graduations. He was often the babysitter, chauffeur, house sitter or just a friend to listen and share advice. He was known to our children and their friends as Uncle Monte. Often when the families were having a family get together or extended family event, other family members would ask if Monte was invited. Sometimes it seemed as though if he was not, (which he was always one of the first on the guest list) the family member was not going to attend either. The extended families wanted to be with him especially the ones who served in the armed forces. During extended family functions, he had a knack for inspiring family members who had served in the military to talk openly about their experiences. Sitting back and listening to our brothers, grandfathers, and uncles discuss their military experiences with him was a true education that we did not receive in the classroom. Monte McCullough lived in Muncie for forty years. Preceded in death by his parents John and Lorena McCullough in 2003 and 2001. He was an only child and never married. Visitation will be Saturday June 12, 2021, from 11:00am to 12:45pm followed by services at Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home, 602 E. Washington St, Greencastle IN 46135. Memories may be shared with the family at www.Bittlesandhurt.com.