Robert Darold Culbertson

Robert D. Culbertson, age 85 of Kingsport, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, November 12, 2015. Robert was born on June 1, 1930 to the late Mr. Robert Hillman Culbertson and the late Mrs. Mattie Dingus Culbertson in Dante, VA.

On December 15, 1953 Robert married his best friend and love of his life, Shirley Ann Hommell and after 50 years of a wonderful marriage, she preceded him in death in 2003. Robert proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 23 years. During that time he unselfishly served several tours of duty in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. After retiring from the Air Force, Robert worked 15 years at the Times News in the Circulation Department. Robert found peace and solace working in his yard and spending time with hisgrandchildren. He loved his grandchildren and he was a devoted husband and father. Robert was a kind and gentle man, always willing to lend a helping hand.

Robert is survived by his two sons, Kenneth Darold Culbertson and wife Martha of Knoxville and Derek Lee Culbertson of Kingsport; one daughter, Robin Oaks and husband Earl of Kingsport; one brother, Lloyd Culbertson and wife Yvonne of Boca Raton, FL; two grandchildren, Christy Oaks and LeAnna Nelson; one great-granddaughter, Hayley Rosa Marie Nelson; and a host of loving family members. Robert is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Shirley Ann; and one sister, Thelma Jewel Marshall.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home, Kingsport, Tennessee. Funeral services will be at 6:00 p.m. immediately following visitation in the Chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home with Pastor Roy Darnell officiating. There will be a military honor’s graveside service on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in the Mausoleum II of East Lawn Memorial Park. Military honors will be provided by the Kingsport American Legion Post 2/365. Serving as pallbearers will be family and friends and serving as honorary pallbearer will be Ralph Griffin.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 223 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, Suite 301, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, Telephone: 615.782.7226. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the family.