Loyd Allen Culberson

October 20, 1946 – October 10, 2026

Some people leave behind stories. Others leave behind laughter and a lifetime of love. Loyd Allen Culberson left behind all three, along with a family who will forever cherish the privilege of having loved him.

Born October 20, 1946, in Morrilton, Arkansas, Loyd was a United States Army veteran who served as an Airborne Ranger and infantryman during the Vietnam War. Like many who experienced the realities of war, Loyd rarely spoke of his time in Vietnam. His service was a chapter of his life that he carried quietly, and one his family honors with profound respect and gratitude.

A man of strong and unwavering faith, Loyd carried his beliefs with him throughout his life. His faith, quiet strength, and devotion to those he loved were part of the foundation upon which he built his life.

A master storyteller, the undisputed Captain of the Corny Joke, and the man everyone called when something needed fixing, Loyd had a gift for making people laugh. His plumbing skills, however, occasionally left the family washing their hands in cold water. Being left-handed, he had a habit of doing things a little differently, something his family teased him about relentlessly and with great affection.

But above all else, Loyd was a family man.

As a father, Loyd was strict, protective, and fiercely devoted to his children. He taught them the meaning of loyalty, the importance of feeling safe and cared for, and, perhaps most importantly, how to stand on their own two feet.

He passed along his logical mind, insatiable curiosity, and love of learning, along with a healthy dose of stubbornness that both of his children inherited (in abundance). Whether that stubbornness was a blessing or a curse likely depended on which side of the argument he was standing. His love wasn't always expressed in words, but in the security he provided, the lessons he taught, and the unwavering knowledge that his children would always have someone in their corner.

His grandchildren were among his greatest joys. His face lit up in their presence, and he delighted in spoiling them every chance he got.

And while he loved his children and grandchildren, there was no greater love in his life than his wife, Bonnie.

For 58 years, Loyd and Bonnie shared a love that was fierce, steadfast, and entirely their own. She was his Queen, and he was her King. He would have fought the whole world for her, and occasionally did, even when that meant standing up to his own children. He would do anything for her, sometimes acquiescing to her wishes begrudgingly and silently, but always with love. Through life's joys, challenges, and everything in between, Bonnie remained at the heart of everything he did, and he remained at the heart of everything Bonnie did.

Loyd was a man who spoke slowly, deliberately, and quietly. And in the end, he left this world much the same way: slowly and quietly, with the peace of knowing the love of his life would be taken care of.

Loyd is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Bonnie L. Culberson; his daughter, Sheri Bijou Woolsey (Culberson); his son, Jacob Loyd Culberson, and daughter-in-law, Maria Culberson; and his cherished grandchildren, Molly and Chloe (Sheri's daughters), and Zayd, Maysa, Najwa, and Jed (Jacob's children).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and AnnaLee Culberson, and his beloved granddaughter, Candra (Sheri's daughter), who passed away 31 years ago and has remained forever in the hearts of her family.

In accordance with his family's wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. His ashes will be returned to Arkansas, where his family will gather privately to lay him to rest in the family cemetery.

Loyd leaves behind countless stories, a lifetime of laughter, and a love that will continue through generations.

While his absence leaves an immeasurable space in the hearts of those who loved him, his family finds comfort in his faith and the promise of Heaven. They imagine him being welcomed through Heaven's gates by his precious granddaughter, Candra, her arms open wide, finally receiving the grandfather's embrace she never had the chance to experience on Earth.

To his family, he was so much more than the roles he filled. He was their protector, their storyteller, their hero, and their home.

And to one very lucky daughter, he will forever be the best Dadda Padda in the world.

Go rest high on that mountain, Daddy. Your work on Earth is done. You were loved beyond measure, and you always will be.