Richard was born in Silvis, IL on July 28, 1935, the eldest son of Fredrick George Culley and Odetta Fern (Hibbs) Culley. He always had a great passion for airplanes, which led him to Iowa State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering and also fell in love at first sight with Marilyn. After they were married in 1957, they moved to Southern CA, where Richard was employed as an aeronautical engineer for 32 years at McDonnell Douglas in El Segundo and Long Beach. He was a long-time member and officer of First Presbyterian Church in Westminster, CA, where his infectious goodwill and humor endeared him to many friends. He was an active member of the Presbyterian Mariner’s Organization and also achieved the rank of Life Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.
Richard had a strong work ethic instilled by his Midwestern upbringing. He was a proud business owner/manager, being sure to keep his handy bag of tools in his car at all times. He also loved to travel – during the summers, he would pack his family into a camper to visit relatives in Iowa and Illinois, making sure to stop at national parks and monuments along the way. An avid camper, he never met a worm he did not want to drown nor a trout that he could let go. Later in life, he and Marilyn traveled to Europe where they enjoyed visiting family in Ireland, returning with humorous stories of being mistaken as locals by other tourists. Close family members report that Richard’s hugs were the very best and his eyes twinkled as he told his many great stories.
Richard leaves behind his beloved wife of 62 years, Marilyn Yvonne Culley, daughter Dianne Culley (Smiley, TX), son Robert Culley (Theresa Culley; Cincinnati, OH), brother Raymond Culley (Silvis, IL) and sister Barbara Stark (Silvis, IL). He was preceded in death by an infant son, Teddy Allen Culley. He leaves behind four grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, many cherished nieces and nephews, and a wealth of friends.
A memorial service for Richard Culley will be held Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 2:15pm outdoors at Westminster Memorial Park where his son is buried. The ashes will then be interred at Greenview Memorial Gardens in Silvis, IL. To express condolences, please visit: https://www.dignitymemorial.com
Due to State and Local Mandate regarding COVID-19, only a limited number of people are permitted to attend. Please call for further information.
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