William Edmund Cullen, Jr. passed away peacefully Friday, March 25, 2011 in Ventura, two days shy of his 77th birthday. Bill was the only child of William Edmund and Maxine (Massey) Cullen. He was born March 27, 1934 in Brea, Calif. The family moved to Ventura in September 1940. Graduating from Ventura High School in 1952, he went on to study machine shop for two years at Ventura College.
Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army in December 1956. After serving two years active duty he went on to serve another nine years between active and inactive reserves. He spent time in Fort Lewis, Washington and Aberdeen, Maryland.
After his discharge from the Army, he had the opportunity to become a surveyor, and found that he really enjoyed it. He retired from the county after 30 years and continued to work independently as a surveyor when needed.
He married his sweetheart, Sharon Struve, in 1967, and help to raise her son, Todd. Their life was full of travel and adventure – that is, when they weren’t working.
A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bill served in various callings such as meetinghouse librarian, emergency preparedness, Ham Radio communication specialist and Brother Friendly with the primary children. He also loved helping the full-time missionaries, especially feeding them dinner. But most of all he loved serving in the temple. Here he became closer to his Heavenly Father and grew in the gospel.
His hobbies were many, and not the least of which were guns – both shooting and instructing. A long time member of the Ojai Valley Gun Club, he served in a few different positions, including president. Bill also loved photography and leather craft. Many who knew him also know of his love for food, cooking and genealogy. He enjoyed his association with the Ventura County Genealogical Society, where he learned a great deal about his search for his ancestors.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife Sharon; and step-son Todd.
He is survived by his son, Christopher William Cullen; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and devoted friends. He will be sorely missed, as he touched many lives.
Services will be held Friday, April 1, 2011 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10400 Henderson Rd, Ventura. Visitation will be 10 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Rd., Ventura.
A special thank you is extended to all who assisted in Bill’s care over the last couple of years: Shannell and Dale; Darlene, his home health nurse; countless friends; and the caring staff at Community Memorial Hospital. You made a difference and you are appreciated.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.
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