LaVerne became the youngest plant manager of Motor Wheel Corporation here in Lansing. He transferred to the Wilmington, Delaware plant for four years and turned it into a productive plant before returning to Michigan as Director of Manufacturing for Motor Wheel.
LaVerne purchased Wonch Battery Company and was co-owner of men’s clothing store J. Strolle. He was elected to the school board of Mason Public Schools and served as an officer in the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Olga Culham; brother, Merrill Culham; sister, Roberta Culham; daughters, Joan Culham and Linda Thorburn; son-in-law, Thomas Thorburn.
Surviving are his daughters, Marilyn Maxwell, Nancy (Douglas) Reik, and Carol Culham; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four nieces.
