Walter Bernard Culver

Oct 29, 1935 – May 9, 2012

Walter B. Culver, 76, of Marysville, WA passed away peacefully on May 9, 2012. Walter, the 10th child of 15 children, born to Perry Taylor Culver, Sr and Marie Almira (Dennie) Culver on October 29, 1935 in Wenatchee, WA. His parents and nine older siblings were traveling from Wisconsin to Alaska by Model T, Walt was their “pitstop” in Wenatchee. The Model T eventually broke down in Everett, thus ending the journey. Walt “Buzz” was proud to be part of such a large family and this was a source of much love, practical jokes and great stories during his lifetime…and he could tell jokes and stories with the best of them.

Walter attended school in Everett and graduated in 1954 from Everett High School. He joined the US Air Force on Sept 24, 1954. He was an Aircraft Navigational Tech Supervisor and Instructor.

Walter married Donna Mae Johnson-Tanis on Dec. 9, 1961 in Everett. Together they embarked on a journey that would take them back and forth across the United States many times. Walt was very proud to have seen 45 countries as well as 47 of the United States during his military career. He served in DaNang, Vietnam from Jan. 1970 to July 1971. Walter retired from the Air Force on Nov 1, 1974 and returned to Everett with his family.

After retiring from the Air Force, Walt worked in construction, foundations, retaining walls as well as waste water treatment for the next 28 years, retiring in 2002.

Together Walt and Donna had two children, Alison and Jeff and the love of their life, granddaughter, Mikaila Nicole, know to her “Grumpy” as “Sam”.

Walt’s passion was music, particularly blue grass; tijuana brass and older country classics. He was a western show and movie buff as well as sports, both collegiate and pro. He had an extensive knowledge of trivia and vocabulary and challenged his daughter to the Jumble puzzle daily – he took great pride in beating her at this on a regular basis. He was a notorious card cheat within the family and is probably trying to cheat at rummy in a 10 year rematch with Donna right now. The Culver family have a love for cards, cribbage, and pinochle. He was always looking for a challenging (and unknowing) opponent! Walt was also known for his generosity and caring of anyone in need around him.

Walter was preceded in death bye his wife of 41 years, Donna in 2002. Also preceding him were his parents, Perry and Marie, brothers Perry Jr.; Glen “Shorty”; Don “Bud”; Jack; and sisters Ruth “Ruthie”; Jean; and Faith “Dadee”.

Walter is survived by his daughter, Alison (Culver) Conley; son, Jeffrey Culver (Debbie) of Coeur D’Alene, ID and granddaughter; Mikaila Nicole Leyva “Sam” and bonus grandchildren; Korena and Mark Iosia. He leaves seven sisters and brothers, Phoebe Burch; Penny Tonnes; Richard Culver; Pauline Wilson; Warren Culver: Larry Culver; and Phyllis Richards. He leaves numerous nieces and nephews in the area as well. In the last years of his life, Walt had a special friend, Margaret Werk of Marysville as well.

At Walt’s request there will be no memorial services.

Walt was significantly burned in a kitchen accident at the age of 3. With the undying love and attention of his mother he had a full recovery, albeit serious scars. Given this, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation the the Children’s Hospital Burn Center in his name.

Express your thoughts, memories and great stories of Dad’s life in the online guest book at www.floralhillslynnwood.com .

Dad, you were a character and we will love and miss you very much.