"Dan" Culpepper, 93, was born in Gonzales, Texas and raised in San Antonio. He enlisted in the Merchant Marines upon graduating high school. While on leave in New York City, he met the love of his life,
Mary Pugliese, to whom he was married for 68 years.
After attending Trinity University, he began his career in the shipping business. Dan became the Chief Freight Officer for Cunard Shipping. After several executive positions in the international shipping industry he relocated to New Orleans, then Houston.
In 1978 Dan cofounded Gulf and Eastern Steamship and Chartering Corporation, and opened a network of offices throughout the United States. His firm was associated with Gulf and Atlantic Maritime Services, and several other Maritime companies. In Houston, he served as a Director of the West Gulf Maritime, the Houston Port Bureau, Houston World Trade Association, and the Houston Cotton Exchange and Board of Trade. After a successful consulting business, he retired in 1997.
Dan is survived by his children, Ginny Sandy and husband, Jim of Katy,
Diane Cline of Bellaire, and Jim Culpepper of Portland, Oregon; and sister Colleen Vivian of Ojai, California.
He will be remembered as a great dad, and a role model to those who knew him.
A private service will be held in Galveston.
In lieu of flowers, donation in his name to South Texas Children's Home, Beeville, TX.
