William Joseph Culham

William (Bill) Joseph Culham, age 79, of St. Johns, Michigan, passed away on February 10, 2025, at Hazel Findlay in St. Johns. Bill was born in Pontiac, Michigan, to Robert and Vera Culham. The family later moved to Lansing, where Bill played football and graduated from Lansing Everett High School.

In 1964, Bill attended a junior college in Sterling, Colorado, on a football scholarship. It was there that he met the love of his life, Dana Phelps, on a blind date. Bill and Dana married on September 4, 1965, with their honeymoon consisting of a return to Michigan to begin their life together. They settled in St. Johns, where they raised two children, Kim Behl and John Culham.

Bill began his career as a small business owner, launching his own metal fabrication business. Although the business was initially successful, he was forced to close it following the economic crash of 1978. Bill then spent the next 30 years working as a crane operator for LD Clark Excavating Company. When he wasn’t operating cranes, Bill could often be found in his home shop, welding, repairing, and fixing things with his skilled craftsmanship. Bill’s work ethic and pride in his trade were evident in everything he did. He later finished his career working for Johnny Green, retiring at the age of 70.

In his free time, Bill enjoyed woodworking, kayaking, fishing, antiquing, and mowing the lawn. He loved staying busy with projects, and when he wasn't working on something, he could often be found sitting on his porch, overlooking the 42 acres of land that he and Dana had worked so hard to acquire.

Bill was known for his big personality, always cracking jokes and telling stories of the past, which often grew more colorful with time. He delighted in teasing his grandchildren and stirring up a little mischief behind their grandmother’s back. Bill was also known for cooking the best steaks and making the finest popcorn.

Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Dana Culham; his daughter, Kim Behl (Kam Behl); his son, John Culham (Elva Culham); his four grandchildren, Samantha Behl, Hannah Behl, Daniel Culham, and Matthew Culham; his sister, Judy Mead; his sister-in-law, Deon Crow; and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

Bill’s warmth, humor, and love for his family will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

A visitation for William will be held Friday, February 14, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 205 E Washington, DeWitt, MI 48820.